M5A5 


BIO-AGRICULTURAL  LIBRARY 
UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
RIVERSIDE,  CALIFORNIA  92502 


AN  ECOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


IN 


NORTHERN  MICHIGAN. 


PREPARED  UNDER  THE  DIRECTION  OF 


CHAS.  C.  ADAMS. 


A  Report  from  the  University  Museum,  University  of  Michigan,  published  by  the 
State  Board  of  Geological  Survey  as  a  part  of  the  Report  for  1 9  0  5. 


LANSING,  MICHIGAN 

WYNKOOP  HALLENBECK  CRAWFORD  CO.,  STATE  PRINTERS 
1906 


BIOAGRICULTU 
UNIVERSITY  OF 
RIVERSIDE,  CAL 


LETTER  OF  TRANSMITTAL 


OFFICE  OF  THE  STATE  GEOLOGIST, 
LANSING,  MICH.,  Oct.  30, 1905. 

To  the  Honorable,  the  Board  of  Geological  Survey  of  the  State  of  Mich- 
igan: 

Hon.  Fred  M.  Warner,  President. 

Hon.  L.  L.  Wright. 

Hon.   Patrick   H.    Kelley,   Secretary. 

Gentlemen: — I  herewith  transmit  for  publication,  in  the  Annual  Report 
of  the  Board  for  1905,  the  following  report.  This  is  a  contribution  to  the 
Biological  Survey  of  the  State,  which  the  Legislature  authorized  you  to 
supervise  and  execute  by  Act  No.  250  of  the  Session  of  1905.  The  follow- 
ing report  is  the  result  of  a  natural  history  survey  made  in  the  Porcupine 
Mountains  and  on  Isle  Royale  by  a  party  from  the  University  Museum, 
University  of  Michigan.  It  is  not  a  mere  list  of  plants  and  animals,  but  a 
study  of  these  forms  in  relation  to  their  surroundings.  It  is  thus  a  con- 
tribution to  the  natural  history  of  the  Upper  Peninsula,  and  in  addition 
to  its  scientific  value  will,  I  trust,  be  of  use  to  teachers  in  all  parts  of  this 
region  and  stimulate  them  in  the  study  of  the  forms  of  life  about  them. 

Very  respectfully, 

ALFRED  C.  LANE. 


R.  XLIV    W. 


R.  XI, IV  W. 


R.  XLIII  W. 


FIG.  1.  Geological  map  of  a  portion  of  the  Porcupine  Mountains,  Mich. 

2.  Quartz-porphyry.  3.  Diabase,  Diabase-amygdaloid  ("Trap")-  4.  Sandstone  and  Conglomerate.  5.  Diabase  and 
Diabase-amygda.oid  ("Trap")  6.  Sandstone  with  thin  bands  of  conglomerate.  7.  Dark-grey  Sandstone  and  Black  Shale.— 
(After  Irving). 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 
Introductory  Note,  by  Chas.  C.  Adams. 

ECOLOGICAL   PAPERS. 

An  Ecological  Survey  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains  and  Isle  Royale,  Michigan,  by 

A.  G.  Ruthven 17 

Introduction 17 

Part  I.  Porcupine  Mountains 19 

1.  History 19 

2.  Geology 19 

3.  General  Topography. 20 

4.  Location  of  Field  Stations 21 

5.  The  Biota  Considered  by  Stations 22 

6.  Summary 40 

7.  Interpretations  and  Conclusions 43 

Part  II.     Isle  Royale. 48 

1.  General  Geography 48 

2.  Location  of  Field  Stations 48 

3.  The  Biota  Considered  by  Stations 48 

4.  Summary  and  Conclusions 52 

Part  III.     References 53 

The  Ecological  Distribution  of  the  Birds  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains,  Michigan 

by  Otto  McCreary 56 

I      The  Lake  Superior  Slope  of  the  First  Mountain  Ridge 56 

1.  Lake  Superior  (Station  I.) 56 

2.  Lake  Beach  (Station  I.) 56 

3.  Cedar  Swamp  (Station  II.  Sub.  1.) 57 

Clearings  in  the  Cedar  Swamp - 57 

Supplementary  Clearing  Observations 58 

4.  Hemlock  Forest  (Station  II.  Sub.  2.) 58 

Supplementary  Clearing  Observations 58 

5.  Hardwood  Forest  (Station  II.  Sub.  2.) 58 

6.  Camp  Clearing  (Station  II.  Sub.  3  and  4.) 59 

7.  Mountain  Top  and  Escarpment  (Station  III.  Sub.  1  and  6.) 59 

II.  Carp  River  Valley 60 

1.  Carp  Lake  (Station  V.  Sub  1  and  3.) • 61 

2.  Grassy  Marshes  (Station  V.  Sub.  2,  and  Station  IV.  Sub.  2.) 61 

3.  Alders  (Station  IV.  Sub.  2.) 61 

4.  Damp  Woodland  (Station  IV.  Sub.  3.) 62 

5.  Tamarack  Swamp  (Station  IV.  Sub.  4.) 62 

6.  Carp  River  (Station  IV.  Sub.  1.) 62 

7.  Dry  Woodland  (Station  IV.  Sub.  3.) 62 

a.  Western  End 63 

b.  Eastern  End 63 

III.  Hardwood  Forest  South  of  Carp  River  (Station  VI.) 63 

IV.  Little  Carp  River  Valley ' 63 

1.  Little  Carp  Lake  (Station  VII.  Sub.  1.) 63 

2.  Beaver  meadow  (Station  VII.  Sub.  2  and  3.) 64 

V.  Summary 64 

1.  Water  Birds. 64 

2.  Birds  Frequenting  Shores  and  Banks  of  Streams 65 

3.  Birds  found  in  Grassy  Marshes  and  Alders 65 

4.  Birds  Frequenting  Tamarack  Swamps  and  Cedar  Swamps 66 

5.  Birds  Frequenting  Hemlocks  and  Maples 66 

6.  Birds  Frequenting  the  Cliff  and  Mountain  Top 67 


6  CONTENTS. 

The  Ecological  Relations  of  the  Orthoptera  in  the  'Porcupine  Mountains,  Michigan, 

by  Albert  Pitts  Morse,  Research  Assistant,  Carnegie  Institution  of  Washington  68 

1.  General  Remarks 68 

2.  Station  List 69 

3.  Systematic  List  of  Orthoptera 71 

ANNOTATED    LISTS. 

List  of  Stations  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains 74 

List  of  Stations  on  Isle  Royale 74 

Notes  on  the  Plants  of  the  Porcupine  Mountains  and  Isle  Royale,  Michigan,  by  A. 

G.  Ruthven 75 

1.  Porcupine  Mountains 75 

2.  Isle  Royale 86 

Annotated  List  of  Molluscs  of  the  Porcupine  Mountains  and  Isle  Royale,  Michigan, 

by  Bryant  Walker  and  A.  G.  Ruthven 93 

1.  Porcupine  Mountains 93 

2.  Isle  Royale 96 

Spiders  and  Insects  from  the  Porcupine  Mountains  and  Isle  Royale,  Michigan,  by 

A.  G.  Ruthven. 100 

1.  Spiders  from  the  Porcupine  Mountains 100 

2.  Spiders  from  Isle  Royale 100 

3.  Dragonflies  from  the  Porcupine  Mountains 101 

4.  Butterflies  and  Moths  from  the  Porcupine  Mountains  and  Isle  Royale  102 

a.  Porcupine  mountains 102 

b.  Isle  Royale 103 

c.  Notes  on  the  Collection  of  Butterflies,  by  Prof.  A.  J.  Snyder 103 

5.  Ants  from  the  Porcupine  Mountains . 104 

6.  Ants  from  Isle  Royale 105 

The  Cold-blooded  Vertebrates  of  the  Porcupine  Mountains  and  Isle  Royale,  Michi- 
gan, by  A.  G.  Ruthven 107 

1.  Fish  of  the  Porcupine  Mounta  ns 107 

2.  Fish  from  Isle  Royale 108 

3.  The  Amphibians  of  the  Northern  Peninsula 109 

4.  The  Reptiles  of  Northern  Michigan ' 110 

Annotated  List  of  the  Birds  of  the  Porcupine  Mountains  and  Isle  Royale,  Michigan, 

by  N.  A.  Wood,  Max  M.  Peet  and  O.  McCreary 113 

1.  Porcupine  Mountains 113 

2.  Isle  Royale 121 

Notes  on  the  Mammals  of  the  Porcupine  Mountains  and  Isle  Royale,  Michigan, 

by  Chas.  C.  Adams 128 

1.  Porcupine  Mountains 128 

2    Isle  Royale 131 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

On  or  opposite 

Fig.     1.     Geological  map  of  a  portion  of  the  Porcupine  Mountains,   Michigan...  4 

2.  Geological  section  illustrating  the  structure  of  the  Porcupine  Mountains.  13 

3.  Portion  of  the  Porcupine  Mountains,  showing    location  of  field  stations.  15 

4.  General  character  of  the  rock  beach,  breaker  line  near  shore 20 

5.  Wave  action  on  the  Lower   Beach 20 

6.  Showing  nature  of  the  rock  pools,  crevice  vegetation  and  lichens  on  the 

Middle  Beach,  and  the  stunted  crevice  vegetation  of  the  Upper  Beach  24 

7.  General  character  of  the  rock  beach,  breaker  line  off  shore 24 

8.  Hemlock  forest,  showing  dense  shade  and  lack  of  undergrowth 28 

9.  Deciduous  forest,  showing  character  of  undergrowth 32 

10.  Escarpment  of  the  First  Range,  looking  west 

11.  "Bald"  on  the  top  of  the  First  Range 36 

12.  The  zone  of  stunted  aspens  surrounding  the  "bald." *36 

13.  The  zone  of  heath  plants  and  scattered  pines  that  surrounds  the  "bald" 

areas  on  the  top  of  the  First  Range,  above  the  aspen  zone 40 

14.  Face  of  the  cliff  and  talus  slope,  looking  north  from  Carp  Lake 40 

15.  Large  rock  ledge  on  the  face  of  the  cliff  shown  in  Fig.  14 48 

16.  Talus  slope,  showing  the  nature  of  the  talus 48 

17.  Upper  portion  of  the  talus  slope 60 

18.  General  view  of  the  Carp  river  valley,  looking  up  stream  and  southeast 

from  Station  III.  5 60 

19.  Carp  river,  showing  zones  of  vegetation  on  the  mud  flats 64 

20.  Beaver  meadow,  showing  grasses  and  sedges  bordered   by  encroaching 

willows  and  alders 68 

21.  Map  of  lower  end  of  Isle  Royale,  showing  the  location  of  field  stations  72 


INTRODUCTORY  NOTE. 


During  the  summer  of  1904  the  University  Museum  of  the  University  of 
Michigan  sent  a  party  to  Northern  Michigan.  The  aim  of  the  expedition  was 
to  make  an  ecological  study  of  the  plant  and  animal  life  of  the  Porcupine 
Mountains  in  Ontonagon  County  and  on  Isle  Royale.  The  Porcupine  Moun- 
tains are  about  120  miles  west  of  Marquette,  on  the  south  shore  of  Lake 
Superior;  Isle  Royale,  an  island  in  Lake  Superior, is  near  the  north  or  Canadian 
shore.  Almost  nothing  has  been  known  of  the  Natural  History  of  these 
localities,  and  collections  from  these  regions  have  been  almost  completely 
lacking  in  the  Museum.  Civilization  has  already  exterminated  a  large 
number  of  plants  and  animals  from  parts  of  Lower  Michigan,  so  that  it  is 
especially  desirable  that  records  and  collections  be  secured  from  these  north- 
ern regions  ere  it  becomes  too  late  through  the  encroachments  of  civilization. 

The  expedition  was  made  possible  through  the  generosity  of  certain  public 
spirited  friends  of  the  University,  as  the  funds  of  the  Museum  are  too  limited 
to  carry  on  this  very  important  line  of  work,  without  special  aid.  The 
major  part  of  the  funds  were  the  combined  gifts  of  Mr.  Bryant  Walker,  of 
Detroit,  Hon.  Peter  White  and  Mr.  N.  M.  Kaufman,  of  Marquette,  and  to 
these  gentlemen  in  particular  the  University  Museum  is  under  great  obligation. 
The  Board  of  Regents  of  the  University  generously  contributed  the  expense 
of  transportation,  not  otherwise  provided.  Through  the  efforts  of  Mr.  White 
the  party  received  transportation  or  special  rates  in  the  Northern  Peninsula. 
The  Duluth,  South  Shore  &  Atlantic  R.  R.  gave  a  special  rate  to  the  party, 
and  the  White  Line  Transportation  Co.,  through  Capt.  W.  H.  Singer,  general 
manager,  gave  free  transportation  to  the  party  to  and  from  Isle  Royale. 
Through  Mr.  Henry  Russel,  the  Michigan  Central  R.  R.  also  gave  the  party 
a  special  rate.  The  Washington  Club  of  Duluth,  through  Mr.  John  Panton, 
provided  the  party  with  excellent  field  headquarters  upon  their  private 
grounds  on  Isle  Royale.  The  Marble  Axe  Co.,  of  Gladstone,  Mich.,  pre- 
sented the  party  with  a  set  of  useful  camp  articles.  In  addition  to  the  services 
of  the  volunteer  members  of  the  party  and  those  just  mentioned  many  others 
have  aided  in  various  ways.  In  behalf  of  the  Museum  I  wish  to  express 
my  sincere  appreciation  for  this  cooperation. 

The  field  party  was  in  charge  of  N.  A.  Wood,  the  Museum  taxidermist. 
He  was  assisted  by  A.  G.  Ruthven,  who  had  charge  of  the  scientific  work, 
and  who  directed  it  along  lines  outlined  by  the  writer.  The  other  mem- 
bers of  the  party  were  Messrs.  Otto  McCreary,  N.  F.  Macduff,  Max  M.  Peet 
and  W.  A.  Maclean.  All  members  of  the  party,  except  the  leader,  were 
volunteers,  and  thus  their  contribution  to  the  success  of  the  expedition  was 
of  a  very  substantial  nature.  Without  their  aid  nothing  could  have  been 
acco'mplished.  Upon  Messrs.  Wood  and  Ruthven  fell  the  responsibility  of 
the  party  in  the  field,  and  to  their  care  and  foresight  is  due,  in  a  large  measure, 
the  success  of  the  expedition. 


10  INTRODUCTORY. 

The  field  party  left  Ann  Arbor,  July  11,  after  three  weeks  of  unfortunate 
and  unavoidable  delay,  and  explored  the  Porcupine  Mountains  until  August 
13.  These  mountains  rise  rather  abruptly  from  the  south  shore  of  Lake 
Superior,  and  in  a  succession  of  ridges  reach  the  height  of  about  1400  feet, 
at  about  two  miles  in  the  interior.  The  entire  region  is  inhabited  only  by 
scattered  trappers,  and  the  forests  are  practically  in  their  original  condition. 

From  the  Porcupines  (August  13),  the  party  went  to  Isle  Royale,  about 
60  miles  northwest  of  Houghton,  where  they  made  a  hasty  examination  of 
the  lower  end  of  the  island,  the  party  remaining  here  until  September  5.  The 
lateness  of  the  season  furnished  an  excellent  opportunity  to  make  obser- 
vations on  the  fall  migration  of  the  birds,  and  these  notes  are  of  peculiar 
interest  on  account  of  the  insular  location. 

After  the  return  of  the  party  from  the  field,  the  preparation  of  the  report 
was  begun  at  once  and  has  been  carried  on  as  rapidly  as  circumstances 
would  permit.  As  the  volunteer  members  of  the  party  have  been  busy 
with  other  duties  the  preparation  of  the  reports,  in  some  cases,  represents 
considerable  sacrifice  on  their  part.  In  particular  this  has  been  the  case 
with  Mr.  Ruthven,  upon  whom  naturally  fell  the*  heaviest  burden. 

A  very  pleasant  feature  in  connection  with  the  preparation  of  this  report 
has  been  the  generous  cooperation  of  a  large  number  of  naturalists.  In 
behalf  of  the  University  Museum  I  wish  to  acknowledge  our  indebtedness 
to  these  persons,  who  have,  in  addition  to  furnishing  information  concerning 
the  collections,  and  the  determination  of  specimens,  in  some  cases  con- 
tributed papers.  The  following  list  will  show  by  whom  the  specimens 
have  been  determined. 

Prof.  Bruce  Fink,  Iowa  College,  Grinnell,  Iowa.     Lichens. 

Dr.  C.  A.  Davis,  University  of  Michigan.     Higher  plants. 

Mr.  S.  Alexander,  Ann  Arbor,  Mich.     Higher  plants. 

Dr.  J.  P.  Moore,  University  of  Pennsylvania,  Philadelphia.     Leeches. 

Mr.  Nathan  Banks,  U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Washington.     Spiders. 

Mr.  E.  B.  Williamson,  Bluffton,  Ind.    Odonata. 

Mr.  J.  R.  De  la  Torre  Bueno,  New  York.   -Hemiptera. 

Mr.  A.  P.  Morse,  Wellesley  College,  Wellesley,  Mass.    Orthoptera. 

Prof.  A.  J.  Snyder,  Springfield,  Idaho.     Lepidoptera. 

Dr.  W.  M.  Wheeler,  American  Museum  Natural  History,  N.  Y.     Ants. 

Mr.  Bryant  Walker,  Detroit,  Mich.    Molluscs. 

Dr.  S.  E.  Meek,  Field  Columbian  Museum,  Chicago.     Fish. 

Dr.  L.  Stejneger,  Smithsonian  Institution,  Washington.    Amphibia. 

Mr.  Robert  Ridgway,  Smithsonian  Institution,  Washington.     Birds. 

Mr.  H.  C.  Oberholser,  Smithsonian  Institution,  Washington.     Birds. 

Dr.  C.  Hart  Merriam,  Biological  Survey,  U.  S.  Dept.  Agriculture,  Washing- 
ton. Mammals. 

Mr.  W.  H.  Osgood,  Biological  Survey,  U.  S.  Dept.  Agriculture,  Washing- 
ton. Mammals. 

Dr.  Glover  M.  Allen,  Boston  Soc.  Nat.  History,  Boston.     Mammals. 

This  is  also  an  appropriate  place  to  express  our  obligations  to  Dr.  A.  C. 
Lane,  State  Geologist  of  Michigan,  who  furnished  the  party  with  maps  and 
other  information  on  Isle  Royale  and  the  Porcupine  Mountains. 

We  are  indebted  to  Mr.  John  F.  Nellist  for  the  contour  map  showing 
the  location  of  the  stations  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains,  which  he  adapted 
from  the  map  furnished  by  Dr.  Lane. 


INTRODUCTORY.  11 

A  few  remarks  concerning  the  character  of  the  field  work,  upon  which 
the  ecological  reports  have  been  based,  will  be  of  interest  and  also  indicate 
the  general  bearing  of  such  work.  The  aim  of  the  present  expedition  was 
not  directed  primarily  along  the  lines  usually  followed  by  natural  history 
surveys.  The  aim  was  to  secure  ecological  facts  and  relations  concerning 
the'  plants  and  animals  of  the  regions  visited.  In  order  to  accomplish  this, 
it  was  necessary  not  only  to  collect  specimens  but  also  to  make  observa- 
tions concerning  the  relation  of  plants  and  animals  to  their  environment. 
Mr.  Ruthven  was  therefore  instructed  to  run  lines  of  survey  across  the 
region  examined,  in  such  a  way  as  to  include  examples  of  all  of  the  repre- 
sentative habitats  or  environments.  These  habitats  were  then  to  be  examined 
in  as  much  detail  as  time  permitted.  There  is  nothing  unique  in  this  method 
of  selecting  special  localities,  but  in  the  detailed  study  of  these  various 
habitats  special  attention  was  given  to  the  relations  of  the  biota*  to  its  environ- 
ment. In  this  study  attention  was  directed  particularly  to  the  forces  and 
conditions  composing  the  environment,  in  order  that  the  dominant  forces 
might  be  clearly  recognized.  This  involved  a  careful  analysis  of  the  con- 
ditions, as  it  is  only  by  such  means  that  the  laws  of  change  can  be  recognized, 
and  the  dynamics  of  the  habitat  be  understood.  In  this  way,  the  habitat 
can  be  studied  from  the  standpoint  of  processes  rather  than  from  that  of 
the  end  result  or  effects  of  such  forces,  for  it  is  very  evident  that  if  the  habi- 
tats are  to  be  understood  it  must  be  by  a  study  of  their  laws  of  change. 

Somewhat  similar  methods  have  been  applied  to  special  problems  by  a 
few  plant  ecologists,  notably  Cowles  and  his  students,  from  whom  many 
suggestions  have  been  received,  but  such  methods  have  not  been  applied 
to  the  study  of  both  the  plants  and  animals,  and  their  interrelations,  for  any 
region.  In  the  detailed  application  of  this  standpoint  to  the  study  of  habitats, 
with  its  method  of  description  in  terms  of  processes,  this  report  (Ruthven's 
section)  is  believed  to  be  unique.  That  the  ideal  of  interpretation,  dynami- 
cally considered,  has  not  been  realized  in  the  present  ecological  studies, 
will  not  be  surprising  to  any  one  who  understands  the  dynamic  relations  of 
ideals,  or  to  one  who  has  ever  tried  to  depart  from  the  customary  static 
methods  of  working  in  order  to  think  in  terms  of  processes — dynamically. 

As  this  method  of  thinking  is  not  generally  understood,  it  is  occasionally 
applied  in  such  a  crude  and  general  sense  that  its  bearing  can  not  be  grasped 
when  applied  to  special  or  concrete  problems.  There  can  be  no  question 
as  to  the  general  validity  of  this  method,  but  what  is  now  needed  is  to  know 
how  these  processes  are  combined  and  related  to  produce  particular  environ- 
mental conditions  or  situations.  It  seems  a  very  simple  matter  to  give 
assent  to  the  idea  of  the  law  of  change,  yet  in  its  practical  application  this 
simplicity  often  vanishes  at  once  when  it  is  seen  that  it  involves  the  re- 
lation of  cause  and  effect.  The  organic  environment  is  very  complex  and 
the  ecologist,  like  the  geologist  has  very  frequently  to  deal  with  a  complex 
of  causes.  But  to  be  able  even  to  refer  a  change  to  such  a  complex 
is  often  a  distinct  advance,  as  this  involves  a  recognition  of  a  problem 
requiring  analysis,  which  is  a  further  advance. 

That  these  difficulties  are  not  confined  to  the  ecologist  alone,  but  are 
obstacles  which  arise  in  any  attempt  as  scientific  interpretation,  is  worthy 
of  special  notice.  We  are  thus  able  to  see  why  certain  naturalists  apparently 
not  recognizing  or  understanding  the  developmental  processes  which  scien- 
tific, ideas  undergo,  nor  being  acquainted  with  the  tendencies  of  interpreta- 
tion", dynamically  considered,  now  making  such  rapid  headway  in  ecological 

*Biota — "the  total  of  animal  or  plan*  life  of  a  given  region  or  period."     Stejneger. 


12  INTRODUCTORY. 

botany,  geography,  physiography,  geology  and  psychology,  are  inclined 
to  look  upon  such  attempts  in  biology  as  merely  a  fad  or  a  personal  peculiar- 
ity of  the  student,  and  not  of  any  particular  consequence.  Such  ideas  con- 
fuse the  incidental  with  the^essential  and  suggest  a  complete  failure  to  grasp 
the  situation  or  to  realize  the  fundamental  importance  of  stating  explana- 
tions in  terms  of  processes. 

Furthermore,  in  several  of  the  allied  sciences,  the  methods  of  dynamical 
interpretation  have  already  made  considerable  advance.  Here  then  is 
a  resource,  at  present  largely  unworked  by  many  biologists,  where  a  wealth 
of  ideas  and  explanations  lie  strewn  over  the  surface  and  only  need  to  be 
picked  up  in  order  to  be  utilized  by  those  acquainted  with  this  method  of 
interpretation.  It  is  thus  very  apparent  that  as  soon  as  ecological  phenomena 
are  investigated  dynamically  and  expressed  in  terms  of  processes,  this  science 
will  of  necessity  become  more  closely  correlated  with  those  allied  sciences 
which  have  already  availed  themselves  of  such  methods. 

If  the  signs  of  the  times  are  now  read  correctly,  the  most  striking  advance 
in  scientific  methods  of  thinking  during  the  present  century  will  be  in  the 
direction  of  interpretation  from  the  standpoint  of  processes — dynamically. 

April,  1905.  CHARLES  C.  ADAMS, 

University  Museum,  Curator. 

University  of  Michigan. 


AN  ECOLOGICAL  SURVEY  IN  THE  PORCUPINE  MOUNTAINS  AND 
ISLE  ROYALE,  MICHIGAN. 


A.    G.    RUTHVEN. 


.   CONTENTS. 

Introduction. 

Part  I.     Porcupine  Mountains. 

1.  History. 

2.  Geology. 

3.  General  Topography. 

4.  Location  of  Field  Stations. 

5.  The  Biota  Considered  by  Stations. 

6.  Summary. 

7.  Interpretations  and  Conclusions. 
Part  II.     Isle  Royale. 

1.  General  Geography. 

2.  Location  of  Field  Stations. 

3.  Biota  Considered  by  Stations. 

4.  Summary  and  Conclusions. 
Part  III.     References. 


INTRODUCTION. 

The  following  report  is  based  upon  the  results  of  the  University  of  Mich- 
igan Museum  Expedition  to  the  Northern  Peninsula  of  Michigan.  The 
field  work  covered  a  period  from  July  13  to  September  5,  1904.  From  July 
13  to  August  13  wras  spent  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains;  the  remainder  of 
the  time  on  Isle  Royale.  After  a  short  reconnaisance,  a  line  was  run  through 
that  part  of  the  region  presenting  the  greatest  variety  of  habitats,  and 
stations  were  established  on  this  line  at  which  collecting  was  done.  This 
plan  greatly  aided  keeping  in  mind  the  relation  between  the  physical  con- 
ditions and  the  biota,  as  topographic  and  vegetational  features  were  made 
the  basis  for  the  location  of  stations.  It  also  made  it  possible  to  examine 
a  great  variety  of  conditions  and  thus  obtain  representative  collections. 

There  were  six  men  in  the  party:  Messrs  N.  A.  Wood,  Max  M.  Peet,  N. 
F.  Macduff,  Otto  McCreary,  W.  A.  Maclean,  and  the  writer.  Having  had 
some  experience  in  this  work,  Mr.  Macduff  assisted  the  writer  in  running 
the  line,  and  while  doing  this  listed  the  flora  of  the  stations  as  they  were 
established.  Mr.  Wood's  time  was  mostly  spent  in  caring  for  the  bird  and 
mammal  skins,  and  in  this  work  he  was  assisted  by  Mr.  Peet,  who,  in  turn 
assisted  by  Mr.  Wood,  did  the  trapping.  Mr.  Peet  also  spent  some  time 
3 


18  MICHIGAN   SURVEY,  1905. 

collecting  birds.  Mr.  McCreary  devoted  his  time  to  the  study  of  the  habitats 
of  the  birds  and  to  the  collecting  of  ants,  and  Mr.  Maclean  to  collecting 
vertebrates  alone.  The  invertebrates  and  cold  blooded  vertebrates  were 
collected  by  the  writer,  with  the  assistance  of  the  other  members  of  tjie 
party. 

Except  in  the  case  of  the  molluscs  and  birds,  no  attempt  was  made  to 
make  exhaustive  lists  of  the  different  groups,  owing  to  the  lack  of  time. 
The  collections  include  principally  the  representative  forms  in  the  different 
habitats,  as  is  indicated  in  the  description  of  the  stations  and  in  the  annotated 
lists. 

While  running  the  line  of  survey  and  establishing  the  stations,  the  de- 
pendence of  the  biota  on  the  environmental  conditions,  and  the  adjustment 
between  these  conditions  and  the  plant  and  animal  societies  was  given 
special  attention.  Much  light  was  thrown  on  the  interpretation  of  these 
interrelations  by  considering  the  physiography  in  its  dynamic  or  unstable 
aspect.  The  physiography  is  the  resultant  .of  the  geological  formations 
and  the  agencies  constantly  at  work  modifying  them.  Since  the  biota  is 
dependent  on  the  physical  conditions  in  the  different  habitats,  it  is  also  un- 
stable. A  knowledge  of  the  present  and  past  conditions,  which  can  only 
be  obtained  through  a  knowledge  of  the  processes  involved,  is  therefore 
necessary  to  explain  the  origin  and  distribution  of  the  life  of  this  region. 

Both  of  the  localities  worked  are  favorable  for  study  from  the  ecological 
standpoint,  for  the  primitive  and  natural  order  of  life  prevails  practically 
free  from  the  disturbing  influences  of  man.  The  forests  have  not  been 
lumbered,  and,  although  mining  has  been  done  both  in  the  Porcupines 
and  on  Isle  Royale,  the  workings  were  all  early  abandoned,  and  the  con- 
ditions of  nature  have  reverted  so  nearly  to  their  primitive  order  that  the 
only  evidences  now  remaining  are  caved-in  shafts,  and  occasional  growths 
of  aspen  and  birch  which  mark  the  site  of  old  clearings.  The  whole  region 
is  wilderness  and  practically  uninhabited.  For  this  reason,  field  head- 
quarters were  established  in  order  to  have  a  suitable  place  where  provisions 
could  be  stored,  and  where  the  specimens  could  be  properly  cared  for.  Owing 
to  the  nature  of  the  woods,  travel  was  arduous  and  all  extended  trips  had 
to  be  made  with  packs,  making  it  difficult  to  care  for  specimens  more  than 
two  days'  journey  from  camp.  This  difficulty,  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains, 
was  counterbalanced  by  the  rough  nature  of  the  topography  that  made  it 
possible  to  get  a  large  variety  of  habitats  within  a  comparatively  small  area. 
The  territory  covered  by  the  survey  was,  therefore,  limited  to  about  twelve 
square  miles,  in  order  that  representative  habitats  might  be  worked  in 
some  detail.  On  Isle  Royale,  the  low  relief  made  it  necessary  to  extend 
the  line  much  farther  in  order  to  get  a  variety  of  habitats.  It  was,  for  this 
reason,  impossible  to  cover  the  ground  in  as  much  detail. 

It  is  well  at  this  time  to  acknowledge  our  indebtedness  to  Mr.  David 
Allie,  caretaker  of  the  Carp  Lake  Mining  Property  in  the  Porcupine  Moun- 
tains, who  placed  at  our  disposal  a  large  double  shack  furnished  with  bunks, 
stove  and  dishes,  and  aided  us  in  many  other  ways.  We  are  also  indebted 
to  Mr.  Charles  Preulx  and  Michael  Hollinger,  caretakers  of  the  grounds 
of  the  Washington  Club,  Isle  Royale,  who  also  assisted  us  in  many  ways- 


ECOLOGY   OF   NORTHERN   MICHIGAN.  19 


PART  I.     PORCUPINE  MOUNTAINS. 

1.  HISTORY. 

The  Porcupine  Mountains  are  situated  in  the  Northern  Peninsula  of 
Michigan,  in  Ontonagon  County,  near  the  west  end  of  Lake  Superior,  be- 
tween the  Iron  and  Presque  Isle  rivers.  They  were  acquired  by  the  United 
States  Government  from  the  Mississippi  and  Lake  Superior  Chippewa  Indians 
by  virtue  of  a  treaty  concluded  October  4,  1842.  The  territory  included 
in  this  treaty  was  bounded  on  the  north  by  Lake  Superior;  on  the  east  by 
the  Chocolate  river;  on  the  south  by  the  Michigan- Wisconsin  boundary 
line,  and  on  the  west  by  the  Montreal  river.  Isle  Roy  ale  was  also  included. 

Shortly  after  the  treaty  was  concluded,  prospecting  was  begun,  and 
during  the  period  that  followed  the  speculative  fever  ran  high.  The  mere 
presence  of  trap  rock  was  taken  as  an  indication  of  the  presence  of  valuable 
lodes  of  copper,  and  all  the  trap  in  the  Porcupine  Mountain  region  was  soon 
secured  by  permits.  Many  shafts  were  sunk,  especially  in  the  first  range 
where  the  junction  of  the  trap  and  sandstone  outcrops  on  the  face  of  a  cliff. 
It  was  soon  found,  however,  that  in  this  region  there  are  no  well  defined 
lodes,  the  copper  being  scattered  promiscuously  in  irregular  seams  through 
the  trap.  Before  the  expiration  of  the  year  1848,  according  to  Foster  and 
Whitney  ('49-' 50,  p.  80),  nearly  all  of  the  companies  had  abandoned  their 
locations,  and  there  was  scarcely  a  white  man  left  in  the  region. 

The  workings,  with  the  exception  of  three  or  four,  were  little  more  than 
prospect  holes,  and  the  impressions  left  upon  the  country  by  the  presence 
of  man  have  nearly  all  been  obliterated.  In  this  condition,  the  mountains 
have  remained  for  fifty  years.  All  about  them  the  adjacent  country  has 
been  lumbered,  but,  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  pines  do  not  occur  in  extensive 
tracts,  that  the  streams  are  not  suitable  for  logging,  and  that  up  to  a  few 
years  ago  it  was  not  thought  worth  while  to  lumber  hardwoods  and  hemlock, 
the  forests  have  thus  far  escaped  destruction.  With  the  exhaustion  of  the 
pine  in  Michigan,  however,  and  the  consequently  increasing  price  of  lumber, 
it  has  become  profitable  to  lumber  this  timber,  and  the  forests  are  being 
rapidly  taken  off  of  the  Northern  Pejiinsula.  The  lumbering  about  Onton- 
agon has  nearly  reached  the  great  belt  of  hemlock  on  the  east  and  north 
slopes  of  the  first  range.  The  extensive  possessions  of  the  mining  companies 
will  protect  these  forests  for  a  time,  but,  with  the  increasing  demand  for 
lumber,  it  will  be  but  a  few  years  until  these  magnificant  forests  will  be 
destroyed. 

2.  GEOLOGY. 

It  is  not  the  purpose  of  this  report  to  go  into  detailed  discussion  of  the 
geology  of  the  region  in  question.  It  is  necessary,  however,  to  have  a  general 
idea  of  the  geological  structure  in  order  to  understand  the  topography,  for 
the  topography  is  largely  due  to  the  different  degrees  of  resistance  offered 
by  the  outcropping  rocks  to  erosion.  The  structural  geology  of  this  part 
of  Michigan  has  been  worked  out  in  detail  by  several  geologists,  most  notably 


20  MICHIGAN   SURVEY,  1905. 

by  Irving  ('83),  but  little  attempt  has  been  made  to  correlate  it  with  the 
topography,  in  which  connection  it  chiefly  concerns  the  distribution  of  animals 
and  plants. 

The  rocks  of  this  part  of  the  Northern  Peninsula  belong  to  what  is  known 
as  the  Keweenawan  Series,  and  may  in  a  rough  way  be  divided  into  three 
classes, — the  basic  or  trap  rocks,  the  porphyries  or  acid  rocks,  and  the  de- 
trilal  rocks. 

The  basic  rocks  make  up  the  greater  part  of  the  whole  series.  They  are 
finely  crystalline  rocks  formed  by  the  slow  cooling  of  molten  lavas  contain- 
ing 45  per  cent  to  50  per  cent  of  silica,  and  consist  of  a  lower  compact  portion 
grading  upward  into  a  vesicular  or  amygdaloidal  portion  interstratified 
with  bands  of  unaltered  red  sandstone  and  conglomerate  which  become 
more  numerous  near  the  top.  These  basic  rocks  are  true  eruptives  and 
constitute  successive  lava  overflows  from  fissure  eruptions  (Irving,  '83,  p. 
139). 

The  acid  rocks  occur  between  layers  of  basic  rocks  and  are  in  part,  like 
the  basic  rocks,  true  eruptives.  They  are  composed  of  materials  which  fuse 
with  difficulty,  owing  to  the  presence  of  silica,  and  which  consequently 
cool  rapidly  into  rocks  composed  of  large  crystals  embedded  in  a  glassy  or 
porcelain  like  matrix. 

The  detrital  members  of  the  series  consist  of  sandstones,  conglomerates 
and  shales  formed  from  acid,  or  less  prominently  basic,  rocks. 

The  Keweenawan  Series  is  divided  by  Irving  into  two  divisions,  the  Upper 
and  Lower  Keweenawan.  The  Upper  Division  consists  wholly  of  detrital 
material,  while  the  Lower  consists  of  alternating  flows  of  lavas  and  sediments. 
Most  of  the  Upper  Division  lies  under  Lake  Superior,  but  it  also  underlies 
the  broad  plain  between  Portage  Lake  and  the  Porcupine  Mountains.  This 
plain  is  interrupted  by  the  Porcupine  Mountains  but  continues  again  to  the 
s.outh. 

The  Keweenawan  rocks  border  nearly  the  entire  area  of  the  Lake  Superior 
basin.  Besides  forming  the  larger  part  of  Keweenaw  Point  and  constitut- 
ing the  Michigan  shore  to  the  Montreal  river,  they  occur  in  northern  Wis- 
consin, eastern  and  northeastern  Minnesota  and  occupy  a  great  area  about 
Lake  Nipigon.  The  outcropping  trap  rocks  in  Michigan  occur  as  a  range 
extending  from  the  end  of  Keweenaw  Point  southwestward  into  Wisconsin. 
From  this  range  the  detrital  sandstones  and  conglomerates  dip  away  toward 
the  lake.  In  the  vicinity  of  the  Porcupine  Mountains,  an  outcrop  of  trap, 
owing  to  a  fold,  leaves  the  main  range  and  swings  away  toward  the  lake, 
in  T.  50  N.,  R.  44  W.,  and  returning  joins  the  main  range  in  T.  49  N.,  R.  45 
W. ;  within  this  fold  occur  the  rugged-  ranges  of  the  Porcupine  Mountains. 

3.       GENERAL   TOPOGRAPHY. 

The  mountains  rise  from  the  south  shore  of  Lake  Superior,  Fig.  1,  in  Town- 
ship 51  North,  Ranges  42,  and  44  West,  as  a  convex  ridge  parallel  to  the  lake 
shore.  Back  of  this  ridge  they  extend  to  the  south  as  steep  ridges  and 
knobs  in  T.  50  N.,  Rs.  42,  43,  44  and  45  W.,  and  T.  49  N.  Rs.  43,  44,  and  45 
W.  The  whole  system  comprises  three  fairly  distinct  parallel  ridges  that 
nowhere  attain  an  alpine  height;  the  highest  point,  according  to  the  charts 
of  the  United  States  Lake  Survey,  being  1421  feet  above  the  level  of  Lake 
Superior  or  2022.19  feet  above  sea  level.  Unfortunately  the  territory 
covered  by  the  topographic  map  of  the  Michigan  Geological  Survey  does 
not  embrace  this  section,  so  this  record  has  not  been  verified.  The  altitudes 


1^^ 


FIG.  4.  General  character  of  the  rock  beach,  breaker  line  near  shore,  station  I. 


FIG.  5.  Wave  action  on  the  Lower  Beach,  station  I. 


ECOLOGY  OF  NORTHERN   MICHIGAN.  21 

referred  to  in  this  report  are,  unless  otherwise  specified,  above  the  level  of 
Lake  Superior.  The  elevation  above  sea  level  may  be  obtained  by  adding 
601.19  feet  to  the  given  altitude  (Wright,  '05,  p.  36). 

The  first  ridge,  rising  from  the  shore  of  Lake  Superior,  reaches  a  height 
of  850  to  900  feet  within  a  mile  and  a  half.  It  then  decends  abruptly  400 
feet  into  the  valley  of  Carp  river.  This  cliff  consists  of  about  200  feet  of 
vertical  face,  with  a  steep  bare  talus  slope  at  the  bottom  which  is  composed 
of  angular  fragments  of  trap  and  sandstone  rock  weathered  from  the  cliff 
above.  As  may  be  seen  from  the  contour  map,  this  talus  slope  grades  down 
into  the  flood-plain  of  Carp  river,  except  on  Sections  21  and  22,  T.  .51  N., 
R.  43  W. ;  here  the  river  widens  out  to  form  Carp  lake  and  the  talus  decends 
into  the  lake.  This  great  cliff  extends  nearly  continuously  across  T.  51  N., 
R.  43  W.,  a  distance  of  over  six  miles.  Beyond  Carp  river  the  mountains 
rise  in  steep  ridges  and  knobs,  but  with  no  precipitous  cliffs,  to  the  valley 
of  the  Little  Carp  river. 

About  three  miles  south  of  the  west  end  of  Carp  Lake,  on  T.  50  N.,  R. 
44  W.,  Section  2,  Little  Carp  river  widens  out  to  form  Little  Carp  Lake. 
This  lake,  which  marks  the  end  of  the  line  of  survey,  is  about  half  a  mile 
long  and  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  width,  with  very  irregular  shores  formed 
by  the  surrounding  hills. 

The  mountains  are  most  easily  reached  from  Ontonagon,  Michigan.  From 
here  to  Union  Bay,  there  is  a  good  but  sandy  road.  After  leaving  Union 
Bay  the  road  enters  the  mountains  and  runs  along  the  north  slope  of  the 
first  ridge.  This  slope  is  terraced  by  old  beaches  which  mark  higher  levels 
of  Lake  Superior,  and  the  road  ascends  the  mountains  by  these  natural 
driveways,  ascending  from  one  beach  to  another  in  the  less  difficult  places. 

It  is  important  to  bear  in  mind  that  the  present  topography  is  not  in  a 
static  condition  but  is  being  constantly  changed  by  the  forces  acting  upon 
it,  and  that  it  will  continue  to  be  changed  and  modified  until  the  land  has 
been  reduced  to  base-level.  It  must  also  be  borne  in  mind  that  forms  of 
life  are  dependent  on  the  environments  formed  by  the  physical  conditions. 
These  facts  are  as  important  from  the  ecological  as  from  the  physiographic 
standpoint,  for  with  changes  in  the  physical  conditions  there  are  associated 
changes  in  the  dependent  habitats.  The  present  conditions  are  not  sufficient, 
therefore,  to  explain  the  distribution  of  the  present  biota,  and  the  past  con- 
ditions can  only  be  understoo'd  through  a  knowledge  of  the  action  of  present 
forces  in  producing  changes  in  the  environments.  It  is  for  this  reason  that 
the  present  geological  and  topographical  conditions  have  been  considered. 

4.      LOCATION    OF   THE   FIELD    STATIONS. 

The  line  of  survey  began  at  Lake  Superior  on  the  north  and  south  line 
of  Sections  11  and  12,  Township  51  North,  Range  43  West,  and  from  here 
ran  southwest  up  the  north  slope  of  the  first  range  to  a  saddle  in  the  crest 
at  an  elevation  of  750  feet  on  Section  14.  From  this  point  a  transverse  line 
was  run  along  the  top  of  the  range,  to  the  west  on  Sections  14,  15,  and  21, 
and  to  the  east  on  Sections  14  and  13.  From  the  saddle  on  Section  14, 
the  main  line  was  continued  due  south  down  the  escarpment  on  the  south 
side  of  the  range,  across  the  valley  of  Carp  river  to  the  east  and  west  line  of 
Sections  14  and  23.  From  this  point  it  was  run  southwestward  across  the 
intervening  ranges  to  the  top  of  Government  Peak  on  Section  27.  Another 
line  was  run  down  the  valley  of  Carp  river  from  the  north  and  south  line  of 
Sections  24  and  25  to  the  West  end  of  Carp  Lake  on  Section  21.  Here  it 


22  MICHIGAN   SURVEY,  1905. 

turns  to  the  south,  crossing  Sections  21  ,28,  and  23,  Township  51  North, 
Range  43  West,  to  Little  Carp  Lake  on  Section  -2,  Township  50  North, 
Range  44  West.  It  then  turns  to  the  east  and  follows  the  valley  of  Little 
Carp  river  about  a  mile  and  a  half  up  stream.  On  these  lines  stations  were 
established  where  different  conditions  prevailed.  Their  locations,  Fig.  3, 
were  as  follows: 

Station  I.     Beach  of  Lake  Superior,  Sees.  11  and  12,  T.  51  N.,  R.  43  W. 
Station  II.     North  Slope  of  the  First  Range,  Sees.  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  and 
16,  T.  51  N.,  R.  43  W. 

Sub.  1.     Arbor  Vitae  Swamp  at  Foot  of  Slope,  Sees.  11  and  12. 

Sub.  2.     North  Slope,  Sees.   11,  12  and  14. 

Sub.  3.     Clearing  in  the  Saddle,  Sec.   14. 

Sub.  4.     Aspen  Zone  about  Clearing,  Sec.   14. 

Sub.  5.     Aspen  Zone  at  Top  of  Ridge  bordering  the  Bare  Moun- 
tain Top,  Sees.  13,  14,  15,  21,  T.  51  N.,  R.  43  W. 

Station  III.  Top  of  the  first  Range  and  the  'Southern  Escarpment 
Sees.  13,  14,  15  and  21,  T.  51  N.,  R.  43  W. 

Sub.  1.     West  Slope  of  the  Ridge  on  Sees.  13  and  14. 

Sub.  2.     Bare  Mountain  Top,  Sees.   13  and   14. 

Sub.  3.     Zone  of  Pines  crossing  First  Range,  Sees.  13  and  14. 

Sub.  4.     East  Slope  of  the  Ridge  on  Sec.  13. 

Sub.  5.     Mountain  Top  on  Sees.  14  and  15. 

Sub.  6.     Mountain  Top  on  Sec.  21. 

Station  IV.  Carp  River  Valley  on  Sees.  13,  14,  23  and  24,  T.  51  N.,  R. 
43  W. 

Sub.  1.     Carp  River,  Sees.  14  and  24. 

Sub.  2.     Flood-plain,  Sec.  14. 

Sub.  3.     Valley  Slopes,  Sees.  14  and  23. 

Sub.  4.     Peat  Bog,  Sees.  14,  23  and  24. 
Station  V.     Carp  Lake,  Sees.  15,  21  and  22,  T.  51  N.,  R.  43  W. 

Sub.  1.     Beach  at  West  End  of  Lake,  Sees.  21  and  22. 

Sub.  2.     Delta  at  East  End  of  Lake,  Sec.  22. 

Sub.  3.     Carp  Lake,  Sec.  22. 

Station  VI.  Mountains  between  the  Carp  and  Little  Carp  Drainage 
Systems,  Sees.  21,  22,  23,  27,  28,  33,  and  34,  .T.  51  N.,  R.  43  W. 

Station  VII.  Little  Carp  Drainage  System,  Sec.  2,  T.  50  N.,  R.  44  W., 
and  Sec.  34,  T.  51  N.,  R.  43  W. 

Sub.  1.     Little  Carp  Lake,  Sec.  2,  T.  50  N,  R.  44  W. 

Sub.  2.     Beaver  Meadow  along  Little  Carp  River,    Sec.  34,  T.  51 
N.,  R.  43  W. 

Sub.  3.     Little  Carp  River,  Sec.  34,  T.  51  N.,  R.  43  W. 

5.      THE    BIOTA    CONSIDERED    BY    STATIONS. 

Station  I.  The  beach  of  Lake  Superior  at  the  point  studied  is  composed 
of  outcropping  strata  of  sandstone  tilted  at  a  considerable  angle,  Fig.  4. 
The  nature  of  this  shore  has  an  important  effect  on  the  conditions  of  the  bench. 
The  effect  of  the  beating  of  the  waves  of  a  lake  is  to  cut  into  the  shore  as 
a  horizontal  saw.  If  the  strata  of  this  shore  were  perpendicular,  the  material 
would  fall  away  from  the  face  of  the  cliff  as  it  was  undermined,  and  the  cliff 
would  be  vertical.  The  strata  are  inclined,  however,  so  that  as  the  lower 
part  of  the  shore  is  cut  into,  the  rock  is  removed  more  slowly,  in  blocks  de- 
termined by  the  joint  and  bedding  planes,  Fig.  4.  The  edges  of  the  truncated 


ECOLOGY   OF   NORTHERN   MICHIGAN.  23 

strata  form  the  bottom  of  a  wave  cut  terrace  off  shore  and  determine  the 
breaker  line,  Fig.  7.  The  submerged  edges  of  these  strata  continue  to  be 
worn  off  by  the  abrasion  of  the  material  carried  by  the  undertow  until  the 
surface  of  the  terrace  is  more  or  less  uniform. 

On  account  of  the  exposure  and  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  a  foothold, 
the  environmental  conditions  are  very  severe,  and  the  biota  is  limited  both 
in  individuals  and  species.  The  beach  has  been  divided  by  physiographers 
into  three  parts,  the  Upper,  Middle,  and  Lower  Beaches,  according  to  the 
influence  of  the  hydro-dynamic  factors.  These  factors,  as  Cowles  ('99,  pp. 
112-175,  and  '01,  pp.  56-57)  has  shown,  have  an  important  influence  upon 
the  environment  of  plants,  so  that  the  beach  may  be  divided  into  the  same 
divisions  for  our  present  purpose. 

The  Lower  Beach  is  that  portion  of  the  shore  exposed  to  the  action  of  the 
waves  during  the  summer  months.  At  the  point  studied,  Station  I,  owing 
to  the  dip  of  the  strata,  the  water  deepens  rapidly  off  shore,  and  the  breaker 
line  is  brought  near  to  the  beach,  the  lower  part  of  which  is  thus  exposed 
to  the  full  force  of  the  waves,  Fig.  5.  Exposed  as  it  is  alternately  to  the 
pounding  of  the  waves  and  dessication  in  the  sun  the  conditions  are  so  severe 
that  very  little  life  can  exist.  The  only  form  that  is  found  here  is  the  snail 
Limnaea  decollata  that  occurs  occasionally  behind  projecting  outcrops, 
where  it  is  to  some  extent  protected  from  the  direct  force  of  the  waves. 
This  snail  seems  to  be  adapted  to  habitats  of  this  nature,  for  it  was  found 
elsewhere  only  in  rapid  water  in  the  larger  rivers  (Ruthven,  '04,  p.  192). 

The  Middle  Beach  lies  above  the  Lower  Beach  and  differs  from  it  in  not 
being  exposed  to  the  summer  waves.  It  is,  however,  exposed  to  the  action 
of  the  waves  during  the  early  winter  months,  while  during  the  latter  part 
of  the  winter  the  ice  is  shoved  upon  it  in  great  ridges.  It  is  thus,  only  during 
the  growing  season  free  from  those  conditions  which  make  the  Lower  Beach 
practically  uninhabitated,  but  certain  conditions  still  make  the  habitat  unfavor- 
rable.  Owing  to  the  difficulty  in  gaining  and  retaining  a  foothold,  the  vegetation 
consists  principally  of  lichens,  Lecidea  lactea  and  Parmelia  conspersa,  that 
are  not  dependent  upon  the  substratum  for  nourishment.  Along  the  ex- 
posed edges  of  joint  and  bedding  planes,  where  disintegration  is  more  rapid, 
a  slight  soil  accumulates,  Fig.  6.  These  crevices,  as  may  be  seen  from  the 
photograph,  are  taken  possession  of  by  several  of  the  higher  plant  forms, 
but,  owing  to  the  short  period  that  this  beach  is  not  exposed  to  the  pounding 
of  the  waves,  only  the  hardier  plants  can  obtain  a  foothold,  such  as  the 
Beach  Pea,*  Silvery  Cinquefoil,  Goldenrod,  Pale  Spiked  Lobelia,  Harebell 
and  a  few  grasses,  Fig.  6. 

The  fauna,  probably  owing  in  part  to  the  lack  of  food,  is  also  limited. 
The  insects  are  represented  by  the  butterflies,  Argynnis  ailantis,  Phyciodes 
tharos,  Grapta  gracilis,  Grapta  progne,  Basilarchia  arthemis,  and  Colias  philo- 
dice,  and  the  dragonflies,  Aeschna  clepsydra  and  Sympetrum  costiferum; 
forms  that  also  occur  on  the  Upper  Beach.  The  spiders  are  more  character- 
istic ;  Epeira  trifolium  and  patagiata  and  Linyphia  phrygiana  spin  their  webs 
behind  the  outcropping  strata,  while  Pardosa  lapidicina  runs  about  over 
the  rocks.  The  destruction  of  this  rock  beach  will  probably  destroy  the 
habitats  of  these  spiders,  especially  of  those  that  spin  webs,  as  it  would  be 
impossible  for  them  to  attach  their  webs  on  a  sandy  beach.  The  butterflies 
on  the  other  hand  are  dependent  upon  the  flowering  plants,  which  are  essen- 
tially crevice  forms,  so  that  their  habitats  would  be  increased  by  the  com- 
minution of  the  beach. 


*All  plant  names  in  this  report  follow  Britton's  Manual  of  (he  Flora   of  the   Northern   Stntes  and 
Canada.  1901. 


24  MICHIGAN   SURVEY,  1905. 

There  are  numerous  pools  on  this  beach,  Fig.  6,  in  the  angular  spaces 
formed  by  the  removal,  presumably  by  ice,  of  portions  of  rock  between 
the  joint  planes.  These  pools  are,  as  a  rule,  above  the  reach  of  the  highest 
waves,  so  that  during  the  summer  they  are  not  flooded  by  the  cold  water 
of  the  lake.  Their  temperature  is  thus  higher  than  the  lake  water.  In 
several  readings  taken  August  6,  7  and  8,  the  temperature  of  the  water  in 
these  pools  varied  from  60°  F.  to  68°  which  was  10°  higher  than  the  lake 
water  as  it  broke  on  the  lower  beach.  The  vegetation  in  these  pools  is  very 
scanty,  consisting  chiefly  of  Algae  which  line  the  sides.  The  small  number 
of  species  is  probably  due  to  their  isolation  and  shallowness  (6  to  18  inches), 
and  to  their  smooth  sides  which  make  it  difficult  for  the  plants  to  gain  a 
foothold.  The  fauna  is  much  better  represented  than  the  flora.  Besides 
a  number  of  minute  forms  such  as  Crustaceans,  Hydra,  etc.,  there  are  a 
number  of  the  higher  aquatic  forms  characteristic  of  quiet  water  habitats. 
The  insects  are  represented  by  water-boatmen,  water-striders,  and  caddis-fly 
larvae,  and  the  snails  by  Physa  ancillaria,  Limnaea  desidiosa,  Planorbis 
pawns  and  occasionally,  near  the  Lower  Beach  by  Limnaea  decollata. 
These  forms  are  found  in  all  of  the  larger  pools  with  the  exception  of  Limnaea 
decollata  which  only  occurred  in  the  lower  pools  that  are  occasionally  flooded 
by  the  waves.  When  these  pools  are  flooded  by  an  exceptionally  high  wave, 
they  are  often  temporarily  united  with  the  lake  and  with  each  other  which 
suggests  a  way  by  which  certain  forms  may  migrate  along  a  shore  of  this 
kind.  With  the  destruction  of  this  beach  these  pool  habitats  will  be  de- 
stroyed, as  pools  of  this  kind  cannot  exist  on  a  sandy  beach. 

The  Upper  Beach  is  above  the  reach  of  both  summer  and  winter  waves, 
and  the  environmental  conditions  are  consequently  more  favorable  than 
those  of  the  Lower  and  Middle  Beaches.  The  principal  factor  that  still 
makes  the  habitat  an  unfavorable  one  for  plants  is  the  poor  foothold  afforded 
by  the  substratum.  The  soil,  however,  increases  in  amount  at  the  edges 
of  the  joint  planes  thus  affording  a  foothold  for  small  trees  and  shrubs,  Fig. 
6,  and  to  this  soil  is  added  a  small  amount  of  humus  formed  by  decaying 
logs  and  annuals.  Owing  to  these  conditions,  the  flora  presents  a  curious 
assemblage  of  forms.  It  is  composed  of  the  forms  of  the  Middle  Beach, 
Goldenrod,  Beach  Pea,  Vetchling,  Lobelia,  Hare-bells,  etc.  ;•  the  fern,  Poly- 
podium  vulgare;  the  heaths  represented  by  the  Bearberry,  Great  Bilberry 
and  Dwarf  Huckleberry  that  constitute  the  next  society,  and  a  number  of 
trees  and  shrubs  such  as  the  Arbor  Vitae,  Mountain  Maple,  Mountain  Ash, 
Large-leaved  and  Quaking  Aspens,  Juneberry,  Eastern  Ninebark,  Dwarf 
Cherry,  Wild  Raspberry  and  Canadian  Buffalo-berry,  that  in  this  region 
form  a  transitional  zone  between  exposed  habitats  and  the  mesophytic 
forest.  The  fauna  of  this  beach  is  in  many  respects  similar  to  the  fauna 
of  the  Middle  Beach  from  which  it  cannot  be  distinctly  separated.  The 
forms  found  here  which  are  not,  as  a  rule,  found  also  on  the  Middle  Beach 
are  the  grasshoppers  Camnula  pellucida,  Circotettix  verruculatus,  Melanoplus 
atlanis  and  Melanoplus  femoratus,  and  the  Lake  Superior  Chipmunk.  The 
grasshoppers,  as  a  rule,  remain  closely  within  the  limits  of  this  beach,  with 
the  exception  of  the  forms  of  Melanoplus  which  are  occasionally  found 
also  on  the  Middle  Beach.  The  chipmunks  are  also  seldom  observed  far 
from  the  drift  logs  that  characterize  this  habitat. 

The  beach  as  a  whole  is  thus,  in  a  general  way,  divided  into  three  habitats 
by  the  dominance  of  different  processes  which  bring  about  different  en- 
viromental  conditions,  but  these  divisions,  as  may  be  seen  from  the  photo- 
graphs, are  not  sharply  denned.  The  Lower  Beach  in  general  possesses 


FIG. 


Showing  nature   of   the    rock  pools,  crevice  vegetation  and  lichens  (white  patches)  of  the 
Middle  Beach,  and  the  stunted  crevice  vegetation  of  the  Upper  Beach,  station  I. 


FIG.  7.  General  character  of  the  rock  beach,  breaker  line  off  shore,  station  I. 


ECOLOGY   OF  NORTHERN   MICHIGAN.  25 

little  life,  but  near  the  upper  limit  of  summer  wave  action  a  few  straggling 
annuals  come  in  that  characterize  the  Middle  Beach  above,  while  near  the 
upper  limit  reached  by  the  winter  waves  and  ice  a  few  perennials  of  the 
Upper  Beach  occur.  The  biotic  tension  lines  between  these  divisions  also 
undergo  occasional  fluctuations,  since  the  position  of  the  tension  line  between 
the  Lower  and  Middle  Beaches  is  determined  by  the  severity  of  the  summer 
storms,  while  between  the  Middle  and  Upper  Beaches  it  is  determined  by 
the  height  of  the  winter  waves  and  ice. 

Owing  to  the  action  of  the  waves,  the  beach  as  a  whole  is  retreating  inland, 
but  as  it  retreats  a  wave  cut  and  wave  deposited  terrace  is  being  formed, 
and  this  by  shallowing  the  water  carries  the  breaker  line  off  shore  and  lessens 
the  effect  of  the  waves,  as  illustrated  in  Fig.  7.  The  conditions  of  the  Lower 
and  Middle  Beaches  thus  become  more  favorable,  resulting  in  a  progessive 
downward  movement  of  the  biota  of  the  Middle  and  Upper  Beaches  respect- 
ively that  decidedly  narrows  the  beach  zones. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  sinking  of  the  coast  in  this  region  counteracts, 
in  places,  the  tendency  of  the  submarine  terraces  to  decrease  the  efficiency 
of  the  waves.  The  deepening  of  the  water  near  shore  caused  by  this  sinking 
of  the  coast  brings  the  breaker  line  nearer  shore,  thus  increasing  the  efficiency 
of  the  waves  to  such  an  extent  that  the  beach  habitats  are  being  forced  back 
into  the  adjacent  swamps. 

Station  II.  Substation  1.  Back  of  the  beach,  at  the  foot  of  the  first 
range,  there  often  extends  for  considerable  distances  a  narrow  belt  of  arbor 
vitae  swamp.  This  swamp  owes  its  origin,  according  to  Wright  ('05,  p.  37), 
to  the  general  sinking  of  the  beach  of  Lake  Superior  referred  to  in  the  dis- 
cussion of  the  previous  station.  Gilbert  ('97)  in  a  discussion  of  this  problem 
states  that  a  general  canting  or  tilting  of  the  Great  Lake  Basins  toward 
the  southwest  is  taking  place,  as  is  indicated  by  the  inclination  of  the  beach 
lines  of  post-glacial  lakes  and  by  the  drowned  mouths  of  the  rivers  along 
the  coast.  It  is  evident  that  the  rivers  of  the  Porcupine  region  are  drowned, 
as  they  are  widened  near  their  mouths  into  broad  estuaries  with  adjacent 
swamps,  and  evidence  that  the  tilting  of  the  lake  basin  that  is  causing  this 
is  going  on  at  the  present  time  may  be  found  in  the  submergence  of 
standing  trees  along  the  lake  shore,  and  in  the  discrepancy  in  the  length  of 
the  section  lines  between  different  surveys,  (Wright,  '05,  p.  37). 

This  sinking  of  the  coast  makes  the  conditions  of  a  narrow  zone  just  back 
of  the  beach  too  wet  for  some  of  the  mesophytic  forest  forms  that  occupy 
the  higher  parts  of  the  ridge,  but  at  the  same  time  it  makes  the  conditions 
favorable  for  some  of  the  forms  of  the  arbor  vitae  swamp,  so  that  this  area 
is  inhabited  by  certain  forms  characteristic  of  each  of  these  habitats.  The 
tree  cover  consists  principally  of  the  Arbor  Vitae,  with  considerable  Balsam 
Fir  and  some  White  Spruce  and  Paper  Birch;  the  soil  cover  is  characterized 
by  the  Running  Pine,  Lycopodium  davatum,  and  occasional  clumps  of  Blue 
Flag.  The  molluscan  fauna  is  very  poorly  represented,  and  the  only  shells 
collected  were  a  few  specimens  of  Punctum  pygmaewn  and  Zonitoides  milium. 
A  single  spider  was  taken  here,  Dolomedes  tenebrosus.  The  mammals  are 
those  of  the  forest,  such  as  the  Southern  Varying  Hare,  Southeastern  Red 
Squirrel,  etc.,  with  the  exception  of  the  Lake  Superior  Chipmunk  which 
was  occasionally  seen  near  the  beach. 

If  the  coast  continues  to  sink,  this  swamp  will  approach  more  closely  the 
conditions  of  the  swamps  of  the  river  valleys  and  will  -become  occupied 
more  exclusively  by  the  biota  of  the  ordinary  arbor  vitae  swamp,  while 
4 


26  MICHIGAN   SURVEY,  1905. 

at  the  same  time  it  will  tend  to  retreat  before  the  beach  and  invade  the  areas 
at  present  occupied  by  the  mesophytic  forest  of  the  north  slope. 

Station  II.  Substation  2.  Above  the  arbor  vitae  swamp,  the  north  slope 
of  the  first  range  rises  steeply  to  the  top  of  the  ridge  and  is  covered  by  a 
dense  mesophytic  forest.  The  angle  of  this  slope  and  the  fact  that  it  is 
formed  by  dipping  strata,  makes  the  drainage  so  rapid  that  the  soil  on  the 
upper  part  tends  to  be  washed  downward  and  to  accumulate  at  the  bottom. 
The  humus  formed  by  the  fallen  twigs  and  leaves  of  the  forest  prevents  in 
part  superficial  wash,  and  most  of  the  water,  for  this  reason,  is  conducted 
away  under  ground.  The  ravines  are  thus  small  and  the  streams  transient. 
The  lower  parts  of  the  slope  support  a  dense  hemlock  forest  in  which  there 
is  deep  shade,  Fig.  8.  The  tree  cover  of  this  part  of  the  forest  consists 
principally  of  Hemlock  associated  with  the  Balsam  Fir,  Ironwood,  Yellow 
Birch,  isolated  White  Pines  and  a  few  Sugar  Maples.  The  undergrowth 
of  Ground  Hemlock  and  Maple  is  very  scanty,  and  the  humus  is  thus  com- 
posed chiefly  of  leaves  and  twigs  of  the  Hemlock  with  the  exception  of 
localized  accumulations  of  deciduous  leaves  from  the  maple  underbrush. 
The  soil  cover  is  also  scattered  and  is  composed  of  the  Large-leaved  Aster, 
Wild  Sarsaparilla,  Twinflower,  Goldthread,  Maidenhair  Fern,  Wild  Spikenard, 
Rattlesnake  Plantain,  Dwarf  Dogwood,  Clintonia  borealis,  and  Lycopodium 
lucidulum  and  clavatum. 

The  fauna  of  the  hemlock  forest  is  also  rich  in  species.  Besides  many 
insects  and  other  invertebrates,  there  are  a  number  of  birds  and  the  toad 
(Bufo  americanus} .  The  mammals  are  represented  by  the  Canadian  Porcu- 
pine, Northern  Virginia  Deer,  Northern  Plains  Skunk,  Woodchuck,  South- 
eastern Red  and  Northern  Flying  Squirrels,  Northeastern  Chipmunk, 
Star-nosed  Mole,  Large  Bobtail  Shrew,  and  the  Northern  and  Woodland 
Jumping,  Canadian  White-footed  and  Red-backed  Mice.  Owing  to  the 
predominance  of  conifers,  it  is  to  be  expected  that  few  shells  would 
occur  in  this  forest,  but  the  accumulated  leaves  of  the  maple  underbrush 
counteract  the  unfavorable  nature  of  the  coniferous  humus  and  support 
a  somewhat  scattered  molluscan  fauna  composed  of  Zonitoides  milium, 
Vitrea  ferrea,  Euconulus  fulvus,  Punctum  pygmaeum,  Helicodiscus  lineatus, 
Strobilops  virgo,  Zonitoides  exigua,  Sphyradium  edentulum,  Carychium  exile, 
and  Agriolimax  campestris. 

On  the  upper  parts  of  the  slope,  the  soil  becomes  thinner,  and  there  is  a 
noticeable  change  in  the  character  of  the  forest.  It  is  still  mesophytic, 
but  the  Hemlock,  Balsam  Fir,  Ironwood  and  Yellow  Birch  give  way  to  a 
forest  composed  of  the  Sugar  Maple,  Basswood,  and  Paper  Birch,  in  which 
the  Sugar  Maple  predominates.  This  transition  is  gradual  and  while  near 
the  top  of  the  ridge  the  Ironwood  and  Yellow  Birch  are  practically  absent, 
the  Hemlock  and  Balsam  Fir  may  still  persist.  The  undergrowth  in  this 
part  of  the  forest  is  much  better  developed,  Fig.  9,  and  consists  principally 
of  Maple,  Basswood  and  Ground  Hemlock.  The  ground  is  covered  to  a 
depth  of  several  inches  with  leaves,  and  the  soil  cover,  although  better  de- 
veloped, is  practically  the  same  as  in  the  hemlock  forest  except  that  the 
Large-leaved  Aster,  Indian  Pipe  and  Goldthread  seem  to  become  replaced 
by  Cinna  latifolia,  White-flowering  Raspberry,  Fly  Honeysuckle  and  I3rake. 

The  changes  in  the  environmental  conditions  with  which  are  associated 
the  changes  in  the  composition  of  the  flora  toward  the  top  of  the  slope  do 
not  seem  to  influence  the  fauna  to  a  marked  extent.  As  the  tree  cover  is 
principally  affected,  the  most  marked  change  in  the  fauna  is  seen  in  the  case 
of  the  birds,  which  are  more  closely  associated  with  this  type  of  vegetation. 


ECOLOGY  OF   NORTHERN   MICHIGAN.  27 

Another  change  is  the  occurrence,  on  the  upper  part  of  the  slope,  of  the 
Red-bellied  Snake,  Storeria  occipitomaculata,  which  prefers  dry,  rather  open 
woods.  With  the  coming  in  of  the  deciduous  forest,  the  humus  becomes 
•composed  of  leaves,  and  with  this  change  in  the  nature  of  the  humus  is 
associated  an  increase,  at  least  in  the  number  of  individuals,  of  molluscs. 
When  the  fallen  leaves  are  examined,  they  are  found  to  be  connected  by  a 
film  of  water.  Among  these  leaves  seemed  to  be  the  favorite  habitat  of  all 
the  snails  collected  in  these  woods.  The  forms  collected  are  Zonitoides  exigua 
Zonitoides  arborea,  Vitrea  ferrea,  Euconulus  chersinus  polygyratus,  Helico- 
discus  lineatus,  Punctum  pygmaeum,  Cochlicopa  lubrica  morseana,  Sphyra- 
dium  edentulum,  Pyramidula  striatella  catskillensis,  Strobilops  virgo,  Polygyra 
albolabris,  Vitrea  indentata  and  multidentata. 

It  has  been  suggested  (Whitford,  '01,  p.  301)  that  the  presence  of  isolated 
W'hite  Pines  in  the  mesophytic  forest  indicates  a  former  dominance  of  xero- 
phytic  forms.  This  at  once  suggests  an  explanation  for  the  origin  of  the 
present  biota  that  is  in  accordance  with  the  observed  facts.  When  the 
waters  of  the  glacial  lakes  receded  and  left  the  mountains  exposed  to  denuda- 
tion, the  wash  on  this  slope  must  have  been  considerable.  The  vegetation 
that  first  gained  a  foothold  was  probably  a  society  analogous  to  that  on 
the  Middle  Beach  at  the  present  time.  These  forms  would  be  followed, 
as  the  conditions  became  favorable,  by  the  heath  society  of  the  Upper  Beach. 
At  the  bottom  of  the  slope  where  the  soil  was  thicker  and  the  superficial 
wash  less,  the  heaths  were  probably  soon  succeeded  by  the  conifers  that 
usually  follow  the  heaths  in  this  region.  With  the  accumulation  of  humus 
in  the  coniferous  forest,  the  superficial  wash  would  become  less,  while  the 
soil  formed  on  the  higher  parts  of  the  ridge  would  be  held  in  front  of  the 
forest,  permitting  the  coniferous  types  to  ascend  the  slope  and  restrict  the 
area  occupied  by  the  heaths. 

As  the  coniferous  forest  became  well  developed  at  the  bottom  of  the 
slope,  owing  to  the  more  favorable  edaphic  conditions  brought  about  by  the 
accumulation  of  humus,  the  pine  seedlings  which  require  considerable  light 
would  no  longer  be  able  to  develop.  The  seedlings  of  the  deciduous  trees, 
Maple,  Bass  wood,  Hemlock,  etc.,  which  would  find  a  favorable  habitat 
in  the  increased  shade  and  humus  of  this  forest,  would  then  invade  the 
coniferous  forest  as  underbrush,  so  that,  as  the  pines  died  off,  they  would 
be  replaced  by  the  forms  of  the  present  forest. 

The  fauna  of  this  slope  would  have  a  history  similar  in  many  respects  to 
that  of  the  flora.  If  the  slope  was  first  invaded  by  the  heath  plants,  it  was 
probably  at  the  same  time  invaded  by  the  fauna  that  is  associated  with  this 
society;  a  relation  which  would  also  hold  in  the  case  of  the  succeeding  societies. 

The  conditions  to  which  the  forms  in  the  different  societies  are  adapted, 
or  the  habitats,  would  thus  tend  to  migrate  up  the  slope  from  the  point 
of  invasion,  and  the  mountain  top  would  be  the  scene  of  the  extinction  of 
the  pioneer  societies,  the  last  place  where  they  would  be  foufid.  Since  the 
mountains  were  islands  for  some  time  after  the  retreat  of  the  ice  sheet,  the 
level  at  which  this  invasion  of  life  took  place  presents  an  interesting  question. 
Evidently  it  must  either  have  taken  place  above  one  of  the  old  beach  lines 
while  the  mountains  were  yet  islands,  or  after  they  had  been  joined  to  the 
main  land  by  the  subsidence  of  the  lake.  In  the  latter  case,  the  invasion 
would  have  come  in  near  the  base  of  the  mountains,  as  they  are  entirely 
.,  surrounded  by  a  low  plain,  but  in  either  case  the  succession  of  societies 
would  have  been  much  the  same,  with  the  exception  that  in  the  former 


28  MICHIGAN   SURVEY,  1905. 

case  the  migration  of  the  societies  would  also  have  taken  place  down  the  slope, 
following  the  receding  lake  beach. 

Station  II.  Substations  8  and  4-  These  substations  are  located  in  an 
artificial  clearing  and  will  not  be  discussed.  The  species  that  occur  here 
will  be  found  in  the  annotated  lists. 

Station  II.  Substation  5;  and  Station  III.  The  north  slope  of  the  first 
range  rises  directly  to  the  top  of  the  ridge  at  an  elevation  of  about  900  feet. 
Over  the  crest  there  is  a  sharp  descent  of  several  rods  to  the  brink  of  the 
precipitous  escarpment  that  overlooks  the  valley  of  Carp  river,  Fig.  10. 

The  effect  of  the  dynamics  of  the  mountain  top  are  very  conspicuous. 
The  exposed  rock  is  unprotected  from  the  forces  which  cause  disintegration, 
for  as  fast  as  it  is  broken  up  the  particles  are  washed  away,  and  thus  the 
first  soil  to  accumulate  is  in  the  exposed  edges  of  joint  planes.  The  soil 
washed  down  the  north  slope  on  Section  21,  Fig.  11,  is  checked  and  held  in 
front  of  the  forest,  \vhich  advances  as  the  soil  becomes  sufficient  to  support 
it.  On  Sections  13  and  14,  Fig.  10,  the  forest  has  advanced  to  the  crest  so 
that  no  soil  from  the  bald  areas  is  washed  down  the  north  slope.  The  soil 
formed  on  the  south  side  of  these  areas,  meeting  with  no  obstruction,  is 
washed  over  the  precipice  and  accumulates  in  a  narrow  strip  along  the  top 
of  the  talus  slope,  while  that  which  is  washed  laterally  from  the  top  into 
depressions  in  the  crest  is  also  checked  to  a  certain  extent  by  the  encroach- 
ing forest.  The  concentration  of  water  in  these  inequalities  causes  them 
to  be  deepened  into  ravines,  situated  at  right  angles  to  the  crest,  and  much 
of  the  material  derived  in  this  way  is  carried  over  the  cliff  and  deposited 
as  alluvial  cones  on  the  talus  slopes  below;  these  alluvial  cones  join  the 
ravines  above  forming  broad  saddles  across  the  ridge,  Fig.  10.  The  face 
of  the  cliff  is  also  exposed  to  weathering  agencies  that  tend  to  pry  loose 
portions  of  the  rock  between  the  joint  planes.  The  larger  fragments  fall 
to  the  bottom  of  the  cliff  and  go  bounding  down  the  talus  slope,  often  start- 
ing minature  landslides  of  the  talus  material.  The  slope  thus  lies  at  the 
angle  of  repose  of  the  material  and  is  very  unstable,  Fig.  17.  As  a  rule,  the 
larger  the  fragment  the  farther  down  the  slope  it  will  go  before  coming  to 
rest,  and  the  strip  of  fine  material  at  the  top  of  the  slope,  which  was  formed 
partly  from  the  soil  washed  over  the  cliff  from  the  bald  areas  above,  receives 
constant  additions  from  the  fine  material  that  is  loosened  from  the  cliff 
face.  Toward  the  bottom  of  the  slope,  the  conditions  become  more  stable, 
and  the  talus  blocks  are  being  disintegrated  and  decomposed  into  a  residual 
soil.  The  mountain  top,  cliff,  and  talus  slope  habitats  thus  offer  virgin 
conditions  for  plant  and  animal  societies,  and  it  is  in  localities  such  as  these 
that  the  pioneer  societies  are  found. 

If  the  results  of  the  processes  at  work  on  this  ridge  be  summarized,  it  is 
evident  that  they  are  tending  to  lower  the  ridge  toward  a  base  leveled  plain, 
thus  changing  the  present  conditions  toward  those  found  on  the  lower  parts 
of  the  north  slope. 

Station  II.  Substation  5;  and  Station  III.  Substations  1  and  4.  The  biota 
of  the  north  slope  of  the  first  range,  pushes  through  the  saddles  and  down 
the  alluvial  cones  on  the  south  side  and  mingles  with  the  biota  of  the  forest 
in  the  valley  of  Carp  River,  Fig.  10.  From  the  north  side  and  the  saddles 
it  extends  upward  and  surrounds  on  three  sides  the  bare  areas  of  the  higher 
parts  of  the  ridge,  but,  owing  to  the  changed  environmental  conditions, 
it  becomes  modified  in  its  composition  near  the  crest.  The  Hemlock  and 
Balsam  Fir  and  finally  the  Sugar  Maple  become  replaced  by  a  zone  of  aspen 
and  oak,  consisting  principally  of  the  Quaking  Aspen,  Paper  Birch,  Red  and 


FIG.  8.  Hemlock  forest,  showing  dense  shade  and  lack  of  undergrowth,  station  II.  2. 


ECOLOGY   OF  NORTHERN   MICHIGAN.  29 

Burr  Oaks,  associated  with  the  Mountain  Maple,  Large-toothed  Aspen, 
Mountain  Alder  (Alnus  alnobetula),  several  willows  and  scattered  Red  and 
White  Pine.  The  underbrush  and  soil  cover  of  this. zone  is  composed  of 
Polypodium  vulgare,  Juneberry,  Scarlet  Sumac,  Bush  Honeysuckle,  Eastern 
Ninebark,  Great  Bilberry,  Round  Leaved  Dogwood,  Dwarf  Cornel,  Narrow- 
leaved  Cow-wheat,  Low  Snowberry,  Polypodium  vulgare,  and  Lycopodium 
clavatum,  complanatum  and  selago ;  Linnaea  americana  may  also  be  mentioned. 

Higher  up  the  mountain  the  soil  cover  becomes  replaced  by  the  Bearberry, 
Dwarf  and  Low  Black  Blueberry,  New  Jersey  Tea,  and  Creeping  Winter- 
green.  The  White  Pines  still  persist,  but  the  shrubs  mostly  disappear, 
and  the  oaks  and  aspens  associated  with  Juniperus  nana  become  very 
scrubby,  often  forming  small  mats  on  the  slight  soil,  Fig.  12. 

As  in  case  of  the  vegetation,  the  range  of  many  of  the  animals  of  the 
mesophytic  forest  reaches  an  upward  limit  in  the  aspen  zone,  where  they 
occur  mingled  with  other  forms  that  replace  them  on  the  bald  areas.  Thus 
the  molluscs  become  noticeably  fewer  in  individuals  in  this  zone-;  Zonitoides 
exigua,  Cochlicopa  lubrica,  Vitrea  ferrea,  Euconulus  fulvus,  Helicodiscus 
lineatus  and  Carychium-  exile  seem  to  drop  out  of  the  fauna  entirely,  while 
Punctum  pygmaeum,  Sphyradium  edentulum,  Zonitoides  milium  and  arborea, 
and  Strobilops  virgo,  by  changing  their  habitats  from  the  damp  fallen  leaves  of 
the  mesophytic  forest  to  the  dry  soil  held  by  the  heaths,  are  able  to  persist. 
Mingled  with  these  forms  was  found  for  the  first  time  Bifidaria  curvidens. 
Similarly  the  only  grasshopper  that  occurs  in  the  mesophytic  forest  (Tettix) 
is  replaced  in  the  aspen  zone  by  Melanoplus  luridus,  fermoratus  and  islandicus, 
Chloealtis  abdominalis  and  conspersa,  and  Camnula  pellucida,  while  the 
Northeastern  Chipmunk,  Northern  Plains  Skunk,  Woodchuck,  and  the  wood- 
peckers, owls,  chickadees,  nuthatches,  etc.  are  mostly  replaced  by  the 
Lake  Superior  Chipmunk,  Junco,  Robin,  and  Bluebird.  The  smaller 
mammals  such  as  the  mice,  moles  and  shrews  seem  to  persist  without  notice- 
able diminution  in  abundance. 

Station  III.  Substations  2,  5  and  6.  On  the  mountain  top  beyond  the 
limit  of  the  aspens  and  oaks,  the  biota  is  composed  almost  exclusively  of 
the  forms  that  appear  in  the  upper  part  of  the  aspen  zone.  The  heaths, 
represented  by  the  Bearberry  and  Creeping  Wintergreen,  with  the  Dwarf 
and  Low  Black  Blueberry  and  New  Jersey  Tea,  form  a  large  dense  mat 
beyond  the  aspen  zone,  that  extends  in  long  tongues  along  the  crevices  on 
the  bare  top,  Fig.  11.  On  the  denser  portions  of  this  mat  occur  widely 
scattered  White  and  Red  Pines  with  many  dead  stumps,  Fig.  13. 

On  the  bare  mountain  top,  the  flora  consists  only  of  the  lichens,  Lecidea 
lactea,  Lecanora  conspersa  and  cinera,  Parmelia  conspersa,  and  Stereocaulon 
coralloides,  on  the  surface  of  the  rock,  and  a  crevice  vegetation  of  Harebell, 
Three-toothed  Cinquefoil,  Wild  Wormwood,  Evening  Primrose,  Panicum 
xanthophysum,  Polypodium  vulgare,  Polystichium  lonchitus,  Asplenium 
trichomanes,  and  Solidago  bicolor,  lanceolata,  juncea  and  erecta. 
'  The  molluscs,  Punctum  pygmaeum,  Euconulus  cher sinus  polygyratus,  Zoni- 
toides milium,  Strobilops  virgo,  Vitrea  indentata  and  Bifidaria  curvidens, 
that  characterize  the  upper  part  of  the  aspen  zone,  also  occur  in  the  larger 
heath  mats,  associated  with  Acanthinula  harpa.  Bifidaria  curvidens  greatly 
predominates  in  this  fauna.  Dead  specimens  of  Helicodiscus  lineatus  and 
Succinea  avara  are  often  found  in  the  rock  crevices  near  the  brink  of  the  cliff,' 
but-these  were  probably  blown  here  as  they  could  hardly  exist  in  this  habitat, 
being  moisture  loving  forms.  The  characteristic  insects  of  this  station 
are  the  dragonfly,  Sympetrum  obtrusum,  the  butterflies,  Argynnis  cybele, 


30  MICHIGAN   SURVEY,  1905. 

Thecla  edwardsii,  and  the  grasshoppers,  Chloealtis  abdominalis  and  conspersar 
Melanoplus  fasciatus,  amplectens  and  islandicus,  Circotettix  verruculatus, 
and  Atlanticus  pachymerus. 

The  Cliff.  Owing  to  the  precipitous  nature  of  the  cliff,  the  rock  frag- 
ments are  removed  as  fast  as  they  are  split  off  the  parent  rock,  and  the 
environmental  conditions  of  the  eliff  face  remain  uniformly  severe.  The 
only  vegetation  that  can  exist  consists  of  the  lichens,  Gyrophora  (Umbilicaria) 
veiled,  Amphiloma  (Pannaria)  languinosum,  and  Biatora  lucida,  that  manage 
to  obtain  a  foothold  on  the  face  of  the  rock,  but  these  are  invariably  de- 
stroyed as  the  rock  weathers  away.  On  the  ledges,  however,  where  the 
conditions  are  more  permanent,  a  number  of  plant  forms  may  gain  a  foot- 
hold, the  extent  of  the  vegetation  depending  upon  the  age  and  size  of  the 
ledge.  On  the  fresher  ledges  the  only  plants  are  the  lichens,  among  the 
representative  forms  of  which  may  be  mentioned  Stereocaulon  coralloides. 
Parmelia  conspersa  and  Lecidea  lactea.  Where  a  slight  soil  has  accumulated, 
the  Harebell,  Panicum  xanthophyswn,  Polystichium  lonchitus,  Three-toothed 
Cinquefoil,  and  Goldenrods  may  occur.  While  on  the  larger  ledges,  which 
often  possess  several  inches  of  soil,  the  Bearberry,  New  Jersey  Tea  and 
other  forms  of  the  heath  society,  together  with  the  Juneberry,  White  and 
Red  Pine,  Juniperus  nana,  Arbor  Vitae  and  Northern  Poison  Oak  may 
obtain  a  foothold,  Fig.  14. 

The  fauna  of  the  cliff  face  is  also  very  limited.  The  ledges  are  too  small 
to  support  a  characteristic  fauna,  but  ants  grasshoppers  and  dragon-flies 
are  often  found  here.  The  butterfly,  Grapta  gracilis,  was  occasionally  seen 
in  considerable  numbers  on  the  cliff  face,  but  the  only  animal  that  can  be 
said  to  be  characteristic  of  this  habitat  is  the  Raven  which  nested  here. 

Station  III.  Substation  3.  Where  the  cliff  is  broken  by  large  ledges, 
Fig.  15,  the  conditions  are  more  stable,  and  the  vegetation  consists  principally 
of  a  growth  of  Red  and  White  Pine  and  an  undergrowth  of  Reindeer  Lichens 
and  heath  plants,  that  extends  "up  the  cliff  and  across  the  mountain  top. 
Where  these  belts  of  pine  join  the  mesophytic  forests  of  the  north  slope 
and  river  valley,  the  undergrowth  is  predominated  by  the  Sugar  and  Moun- 
tain Maples  and  Quaking  Aspen.  The  fauna  of  these  belts  is  peculiar. 
Although  the  Pine  Warbler  and  Crossbills  are  often  seen  here,  the  belt  is 
too  small  to  support  an  extensive  pine  forest  fauna,  while  at  the  same  time 
it  is,  perhaps,  the-  deposit  of  pine  needles  that  excludes  the  molluscs  of  the 
mountain  top  and  mesophytic  forest. 

Talus  Slope.  Where  the  precipice  is  not  broken  by  large  ledges,  the 
fragments  of  rock  that  weather  from  its  face  fall  to  the  talus  slope  below. 
The  finer  material  collects  along  the  top  of  the  slope,  at  the  foot  of  the  cliff, 
and  supports  a  vegetation  composed  of  a  number  of  species,  Fig.  10.  Among 
the  more  prominent  of  these  are  the  Thorri  Apple,  Red  Oak,  Quaking 
Aspen,  Wild  Red  Cherry,  Round-leaved  Dogwood,  Juneberry,  Bearberry, 
New  Jersey  Tea  and  scattered  White  and  Red  Pine.  Below  this  zone 
the  talus  slope  is  strewn  with  dead  wood  and  recently  fallen  trees,  mostly 
pines,  Fig.  16.  Where  the  cliff  is  composed  of  trap,  Substation  6,  the  blocks 
which  fall  from  its  face  are  large,  and  the  talus  slope  is  practically  devoid 
of  vegetation  with  the  exception  of  scattered  patches  of  lichens,  principally 
Parmelia  conspersa,  Fig.  17.  Where  the  cliff  is  composed  of  sandstone, 
the  talus  material  is  finer'and  often  supports  a  scattered  vegetation  of  White 
and  Red  Pine,  Paper  Birch,  Wild  Cherry,  Northern  Poison  Oak,  and  Virginia 
Creeper.  Toward  the  bottom  of  the  slope,  the  first  vegetation  that  occurs 
are  the  lichens,  principally  Lecidea  lactea  and  Parmelia  conspersa,  the  latter 


ECOLOGY  OF  NORTHERN   MICHIGAN.  31 

predominating.  These  forms  cover  more  or  less  completely  the  surface 
of  the  talus  fragments.  Farther  down  Stereocaulon  coralloides  and  Lecanora 
conspersa  are  added  to  this  society  which  is  dominated  on  the  lower  part 
of  the  slopes  by  the  Reindeer  lichens,  Cladonia  rangiferina  and  alpestris, 
that  often  occur  superimposed  on  the  remains  of  the  other  lichens.  These 
are  replaced  toward  the  bottom  of  the  slope  by  the  Bearberry,  New  Jersey 
Tea,  Polypodium  vulgare,  Raspberry,  Wild  Red  Cherry,  Mountain  Maple, 
Paper  Birch,  Quaking  and  Large-toothed  Aspens,  Beaked  Hazelnut,  Black- 
berry, Brake,  and  Bush  Honeysuckle,  that  in  turn  give  way  to  the  typical 
mesophytic  forest  forms  of  the  river  bottom. 

The  environmental  conditions  as  regards  the  fauna  are  more  unfavorable 
than  on  the  mountain  top.  The  only  forms  that  arfe  found  here  are  a  few 
ants  in  the  narrow  zone  of  vegetation  at  the  top,  and  occasional  grass- 
hoppers and  dragon-flies  on  the  bare  slope  below.  Near  the  bottom  of  the 
slope  the  Lake  Superior  Chipmunk  was  often  seen  running  about  over  the 
rocks  and  among  the  bushes  that  fringe  the  forest.  Forms  from  the  meso- 
phytic forest  of  the  river  valley  such  as  the  Garter  Snake  and  Northeastern 
Chipmunk  are  also  occasionally  seen  here. 

When  the  biota  of  the  mountain  top  and  north  slope  are  listed  by  habitats, 
the  genetic  explanation  suggested  for  the  forest  of  the  north  slope  is  enforced. 
It  is  evident  that  certain  groups  of  forms  are,  in  a  general  way,  dependent 
on  certain  environmental  conditions.  The  action  of  the  forces  which  bring 
about  these  conditions  tend  to  modify  those  that  exist  at  any  one  time, 
so  that  the  biota  must  adjust  itself  to  the  new  conditions  or  be  exterminated. 
This  is  especially  noticeable  oh  an  elevated  area.  It  was  shown  in  the  dis- 
cussion of  the  topography  that  the  effect  of  physiographic  processes  on  the 
ridge  in  question  was  to  reduce  it  to  a  base-leveled  plain.  The  environ- 
mental conditions  are  thus  being  changed  and  modified  in  the  direction  of 
the  conditions  that  prevail  on  the  lowland  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain. 
These  conditions  are  brought  about  first  on  the  lower  parts  of  the  ridge,  so 
that  the  habitats  of  the  lowland  biota  are  extended  at  the  expense  of  cliff 
habitats,  and  correlated  with  the  changing  conditions  a  succession  of  societies 
occurs.  This  may  be  easily  seen  from  the  top  of  the  ridge,  Fig.  11.  The 
first  plants  to  get  a  foothold  on  the  bare  rocks  are  those  of  the  lichen  society 
such  as  Lecidea  lactea  and  Parmelia  conspersa,  that  form  large  patches  over  the 
exposed  rock  surfaces.  The  wash  and  decay  from  these  mats  is  at  first 
mostly  washed  away  down  the  slopes.  As  soon,  ho\vever,  as  the  processes  of 
weathering  have  opened  the  edges  of  the  joint  planes,  the  soil  accumulates 
in  them  and  with  it  a  small  amount  of  organic  material  from  the  lichen 
mats.  The  conditions  thus  become  favorable  for  a  crevice  vegetation 
consisting  of  certain  mosses,  the  Harebell,  Cinquefoils,  Goldenrods  and 
grasses.  As  the  soil,  held  in  the  crevices'  by  the  plant  roots,  increases  in 
amount,  the  conditions  become  still  more  favorable,  and  the  crevices  are 
invaded  by  the  heaths  from  the  extensive  mat  that  surrounds  the  mountain 
top  on  three  sides,  in  front  of  the  mesophytic  forest.  The  dense  mats  formed 
by  the  heaths  do  much  to  make  the  edaphic  conditions  more  favorable  by 
holding  the  soil  as  it  is  formed,  checking  that  which  is  washed  from  higher 
areas,  and  by  accumulating  the  humus  formed  by  the  decay  of  the  vegetation. 

The  first  society  to  gain  a  foothold  on  the  lichen  mat  is  represented  by  the 
White  and  Red  Pines,  and  the  next  by  the  forms  of  the  aspen  zone.  In  many 
instances,  the  Quaking  Aspen,  which  is  one  of  the  hardiest  plants  of  this  zone, 
follows  the  heaths  along  the  crevices  before  the  pines  can  obtain  a  foothold, 
but  in  any  case  the  pine  stage  is  but  poorly  represented,  probably  owing 


32  MICHIGAN   SURVEY,  1905. 

largely  to  the  exposure  of  this  habitat  to  wind,  Fig.  12.  The  aspen  zone 
is  in  turn  succeeded  by  the  biota  of  the  mesophytic  forest  type.  This  suc- 
cession prevails  on  the  north,  east  and  west  sides  of  the  crest.  On  the  south 
side,  owing  to  the  presence  of  the  precipice,  the  soil  accumulates  only  to  a 
slight  extent  and  the  succession  only  progresses  as  far  as  the  heath  or  pine 
stage.  The  biota  of  the  cliff  and  upper  part  of  the  talus  slopes  are  not  in 
the  succession,  for  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  material  is  removed  nearly  as 
fast  as  it  is  formed,  the  conditions  remain  practically  the  same,  and  the  forms 
only  gain  a  temporary  foothold.  It  is  true  that  on  the  ledges  there  is  a  more 
or  less  definite  succession  of  societies  leading  up  to  the  pine  stage,  but  it 
rarely  proceeds  beyond  this  stage,  while  it  is  liable  to  be  destroyed  before 
this  stage  as  is  shown  by  the  debris  that  accumulates  on  the  talus  below. 
The  biota  of  these  habitats  is  evidently  derived  from  the  mountain  top. 
A  large  percentage  of  the  seeds  of  the  vegetation  on  the  south  side  of  the 
crest  is  washed  over  the  cliff  with  the  soil.  Many  of  the  ants  and  snails 
of  this  area  probably  have  a  similar  fate,  while  it  is  a  common  sight  to  see 
grasshoppers  on  the  mountain  top  caught  by  the  wind,  when  on  the  wing, 
and  carried  over  the  precipice  to  light  on  the  talus  slope  below.  The  biota 
of  the  narrow  strip  of  finer  material  at  the  top  of  the  talus  slope,  owing  to 
the  more  favorable  soil  conditions  and  the  shade  furnished  by  the  cliff,  is 
composed  of  forms  that  occur  in  the  pioneer  societies  both  on  rock  and  soil 
habitats,  and  it  is  thus  a  complex  pioneer  society.  The  strip  of  finer  material 
is  only  formed  at  the  foot  of  the  cliff  and  migrates  with  it,  leaving  its  lower  edge 
to  be  covered  by  the  larger  talus  blocks  as  the  cliff  retreats.  The  biota  thus  be- 
comes practically  destroyed,  and  the  conditions  change  toward  those  of  the 
talus  slope.  At  the  foot  of  the  talus  slope  the  conditions  are  nearly  the  same  as 
on  the  mountain  top.  The  pioneer  forms  are  the  lichens  that  cover  the  rocks 
and  hold  the  material  as  the  rocks  disintegrates.  The  soil  that  is  formed 
accumulates  rapidly  among  the  talus  blocks  and  becomes  in  time  sufficient 
to  support  the  reindeer  lichen  society.  As  the  soil  continues  to  increase, 
the  forms  of  the  heath  society  push  onto  this  mat,  followed  in  turn  by  the 
climax  forest  society,  the  pioneer  forms  of  which  generally  extend  well  up 
the  slopes.  The  most  prominent  form  among  the  pioneers  of  the  climax 
forest  on  the  talus  slopes  is  the  Paper  Birch,  broken  and  twisted  individuals 
of  which  are  often  found  well  within  the  range  of  falling  rock  fragments. 
As  Harvey  ('03,  p.  37)  has  suggested  for  Mt.  Ktaadn,  it  seems  to  be  adapted 
to  this  habitat  by  its  flexibility. 

There  is  thus  a  series  of  lowland  societies  steadily  encroaching  on  the  cliff 
habitats  from  all  sides,  as  the  physical  processes  reduce  the  ridge  toward 
sea  level.  The  order  of  succeeding  societies  is  generally  the  same  in  a  parti- 
cular region.  Cowles  ('01)  and  Whitford  ('01)  both  give  the  pine  stage  as 
generally  following  the  heath  society  in  northern  Michigan,  but  on  the  cliff 
habitats  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains,  owing  to  the  effect  of  the  wind  and 
the  shallow  soil,  the  coniferous  society  may  be  nearly,  if  not  entirely,  left 
put  of  the  succession.  In  this  case,  an  entire  stage  in  the  order  of  succession 
is  made  impossible  by  a  particular  combination  of  the  environmental  condi- 
tions, and  the  fact  is  enforced  that  habitats  are  composed  of  a  complex  of 
physical  conditions.  This  is  further  shown  by  the  dwarfed  nature  of  the 
aspens  and  oaks  that  border  the  "bald"  areas.  These  trees  often  grow  as 
shrubby  mats,  owing  to  the  breaking  off  of  their  tops  by  the  wind.  This 
is  undoubtedly  due  indirectly  to  the  presence  of  the  escarpment,  for  on  higher 
ranges  to  the  south,  which  possess  no  escarpment,  the  mesophytic  forest 
covers  the  highest  peaks  with  no  noticeable  decrease  in  the  size  of  the  trees. 


FIG.  9.  Deciduous  forest,  showing  character  of  undergrowth,  station  II.  2. 


ECOLOGY  OF  NORTHERN  MICHIGAN.  33 

The  fate  of  the  pines  on  the  exposed  top  of  this  ridge,  the  scrubby  nature 
of  the  aspens  and  oaks,  and  the  fact  that  the  tops  of  a  large  percentage  of 
the  living  pines  are  dead,  suggests  that  the  timber  lines  on  some  mountains 
may  be  greatly  influenced  by  wind. 

Station  IV.  Substation  3.  Beyond  the  limit  of  the  falling  rock  fragments 
on  the  talus  slope,  where  the  rocks  have  been  disintegrated  and  decomposed 
to  form  a  soil,  the  Paper  Birch,  Mountain  Maple,  Aspen  and  Mountain  Ash 
become  mixed  with  the  Sugar  Maple,  Balsam  Fir  and  Bass  wood,  that 
.gradually  predominate  to  the  exclusion  of  the  Aspen  and  Mountain  Ash. 
In  the  forest  near  the  bottom  of  the  slope,  Hemlock  forms  a  part  of  the  tree 
cover  and  occasionally  predominates  to  such  an  extent  that  a  hemlock 
forest  results  similar  in  composition  to  the  hemlock  forest  at  the  foot  of 
the  north  slope.  More  often,  however,  the  Sugar  Maple  predominates  in 
this  forest,  associated  with  the  Balsam  Fir,  Basswood  and  Ironwood,  with 
scattered  Hemlocks,  and  White  Pines,  thus  making  it  similar  in  composition 
to  the  mesophytic  forest  of  the  north  slope  with  which  it  is  connected  through 
the  saddles.  The  ground  cover  and  fauna  are  also  practically  the  same 
and  need  not  be  listed. 

Station  IV.  Substation  2.  Owing  to  the  flat  nature  of  its  valley,  Carp 
river  above  Carp  Lake  is  a  slow  meandering  stream  that  is  doing  practically 
no  vertical  cutting,  Fig.  18.  It  is  easily  turned  from  side  to  side,  and,  as 
it  is  deflected  toward  one  side  of  its  valley,  it  tends  to  cut  into  it,  while  on 
the  other  side  of  the  bend,  owing  to  the  decrease  in  the  velocity  of  the  current, 
part  of  the  load  is  deposited  to  form  mud  flats.  The  river  thus  tends  to 
broaden  its  valley  at  the  expense  of  the  neighboring  divides  and  to  build 
up  its  flood-plain  with  a  part  of  the  material  derived  in  this  way.  The 
material  that  is  not  deposited  on  the  mud  flats  is  carried  on  until  the  stream 
reaches  Carp  Lake,  where  again  owing  to  its  diminished  velocity,  the  stream 
deposits  much  of  its  load  in  the  lake,  forming  a  large  delta  at  the  mouth 
of  the  river.  On  the  flood-plain  of  the  river,  Fig.  18,  the  deciduous  forest 
either  gives  way  to  a.  coniferous  society  characterized  by  the  Tamarack, 
Spruce,  Arbor  Vitae  and  Black  and  White  Ash,  which  in  turn  grades  toward 
the  river  into  an  extensive  alder  thicket,  or,  where  the  valley  is  narrow, 
the  coniferous  society  may  be  nearly  or  entirely  absent,  and  the  hardwood 
fores't  grade  directly  into  the  shrub  society.  The  shrub  society  is  largely 
composed  of  the  Hoary  Alder  (Alnus  incana}  associated  with  several  willows, 
occasional  Tamaracks,  and  scattered  clumps  of  Red-osier  Dogwood.  The 
undergrowth  in  these  thickets  is  not  extensive ;  among  the  more  noticeable 
forms  are  the  Skunk  Cabbage,  Sensitive  and  Cinnamon  Ferns,  Skull  Cap, 
and  several  species  of  violets. 

The  fauna  is  characterized  by  a  great  increase  in  the  number  of  birds; 
the  warblers  and  sparrows  are  especially  conspicuous.  This  is  also  the 
habitat  of  the  Red  Backed  Salamander  (Plethodon  cinereus)  and  the  Wood 
Frog  (Rana  sylvatica  cantabrigensis) .  For  some  undetermined  reason,  the 
molluscs  seem  to  be  very  poorly  represented  in  this  society. 

Between  the  alder  thickets  and  the  river,  in  the  broader  portions  of  the 
valley,  there  is  often  a  well  defined  zone,  of  vegetation  characterized  princi- 
pally by  the  Dwarf  Cassandra.  Between  the  two  societies  the  Hoary  Alder 
and  Dwarf  Cassandra  occur  mingled  with  the  Wax  Myrtle,  High  Bush  Black- 
berry, American  Meadow  Sweet,  and  Few  Flowering  Cranberry.  Toward 
^the  river,  the  Hoary  Alder,  Willows,  Red-osier  Dogwood  and  Tamarack 
occur  only  in  scattered  clumps  among  the  Cassandra  that  forms  a  low  dense 
thicket.  Less  prominent  but"  conspicuous  forms  in  this  society  are  the  Pale 

u  s,j  m  ,.3  ,.<r- .  '^..^  -i 


34  MICHIGAN   SURVEY,  1905. 

St.  Johns  Wort,  Joe  Pye  Weed,  Swamp  Milk  Weed,  Running  Swamp  Black- 
berry, Marsh  Cinquefoil,  Ladies  Tresses,  Marsh  Bell  Flower,  Creeping  Snow- 
berry,  Solidago  uliginosa,  and  a  number  of  grasses  and  sedges  among  which 
are  Eriophorum  cyperinum,  Calamagrostis  canadensis,  Deschampsia  flexusa, 
Panicularia  canadensis,  Scirpus  cyperinus,  Carex  viridula,  riparia,  and 
filiformis.  Owing  to  the  low  height  of  these  forms,  the  habitat  is  openr 
and  the  fauna  is  similar  in  many  ways  to  the  fauna  of  the  mountain  top, 
but,  owing  to  its  proximity  to  the  river,  several  new  forms  are  added.  The 
more  characteristic  forms  are  the  butterflies,  Argynnis  cybele  var.  (near  leto\ 
Argynnis  atlantis  and  Basilarchia  arthemis;  the  dragon  flies,  Gomphus  spicatus, 
Lestes  unguiculatus,  Calopteryx  aequabilis  and  Sympetrum  obtrusum,  and  the 
grasshoppers,  Atlanticus  pachymerus,  Stenobothrus  curtipennis,  Podisma 
glacialis,  Melanoplus  islandicus  and  Scudderia  pistillata.  It  might  be  ex- 
pected that  this  habitat  would  be  favorable  for  reptiles  and  amphibians, 
but  while  it  is  the  habitat  of  the  Garter  Snake,  Thamnophis  sirtalis  sirtalis, 
the  dense  entangled  nature  of  the  vegetation  apparently  excludes  the  frogs. 

The  cassandra  zone  extends  only  to  the  river  bank,  where  it  generally 
mingles  with  a  narrow  zone  of  alders  on  the  low  natural  levees,  but  a  number 
of  grasses  and  sedges,  Juncus  effusus,  Calamagrostis  canadensis,  Scirpus 
cyperinus,  Dulichium  arundinaceum,  Carex  filiformis,  viridula  and  riparia, 
push  out  on  the  mud  flats  to  the  edge  of  the  water,  Fig.  19,  and  form  a  transi- 
tion society  between  the  cassandra  zone  and  the  aquatic  forms  of  the  river. 

The  fauna  of  these  flats  is  also  transitional  between  the  aquatic  and  terres- 
trial habitats.  This  is  illustrated  by  the  presence  of  the  turtle,  Chrysemys 
marginata,  and  the  frogs,  Rana  clamitans  and  septentrionalis ,  which  are 
amphibious  and  thus  intermediate  in  habits  between  the  two  habitats. 
The  birds  are  the  waders  and  shore  birds  that  find  their  food  here ;  among 
these  may  be  mentioned  the  sandpipers,  snipes,  herons,  and  bitterns.  Al- 
though by  no  means  limited  to  this  habitat,  and  to  be  more  properly  listed 
with  the  fauna  of  the  mesophytic  forest,  the  Canadian  Porcupine  is  a 
conspicuous  form  on  these  flats  where  it  may  often  be  seen,  singly  or  in 
groups  of  two  or  three,  feeding  on  the  pads  of  the  water  lilies. 

Owing  to  the  steepness  of  the  sides  of  the  valley,  the  entire  succession  of 
societies  is  only  found  in  the  broader  parts,  for  where  the  river  swings  toward 
the  side  of  the  valley  the  flood-plain  is  destroyed,  and  the  cassandra,  alder 
and  coniferous  societies  are  all  limited  to  a  single  narrow  zone  between  the 
river  and  the  deciduous  forest. 

If  the  different  flood-plain  societies  be  compared  with  the  succession  of 
forms  in  a  tamarack  swamp  as  given  by  Transeau  ('03,  pp.  403-404) ,  a  remark- 
able similarity  will  be  revealed.  The  societies  that  occur  in  the  bogs  of 
more  southern  localities  are  here  spread  out  over  the  entire  flood-plain  of 
the  river,  and  the  tamarack  swamps  of  Indiana,  Illinois  and  southern  Michigan 
are  minature  reproductions  of  the  flood-plain  conditions  in  this  region. 

Station  IV.  Substation  4-  There  are,  however,  areas  where  more  typical 
bog  conditions  prevail,  so  that  in  the  wider  parts  of  the  valley  the  bog  types 
may  attain  a  much  better  development.  In  these  areas,  the  bog  societies 
are  not  arranged  in  concentric  zones,  as  in  the  southern  bogs,  but  are,  as 
the  flood-plain  societies,  more  or  less  parallel  to  the  river.  The  succession 
is  much  the  same  as  on  the  flood-plain  and  in  the  southern  bogs.  The  sedge 
zone  grades  into  a  zone  composed  largely  of  Dwarf  Cassandra  associated 
with  the  Rose,  Juneberry,  High  Bush  Blackberry,  Wax  Myrtle,  American 
Meadow  Sweet,  Swamp  Honeysuckle,  and  Cranberry,  that  is  in  turn  followed 
by  a  society  composed  largely  of  Balsam  Fir,  Tamarack  and  White  Spruce, 


FIG.  10.  Escarpment  of  the  First  Range, 

III.  5,  and  Carp  Lake,  station  V,  in  the  distance. 


looking  west,  showing  the  cliff  and  talus  slope,  station 


ECOLOGY   OF  NORTHERN   MICHIGAN.  35 

the  under  growth  of  which  consists  principally  of  Dwarf  Cornel,  Creeping 
Snowberry,  Labrador  Tea,  Pitcher  Plant  and  Gold  Thread  on  a  thick  carpet 
of 'Sphagnum  and  other  mosses. 

The  fauna  of  these  bogs  is  not  characteristic.  The  mammals  are  repre- 
sented by  Hoy's  Shrew,  Southeastern  Red  Squirrel  and  Red-backed  Mouse, 
and  the  molluscs  by  Zonitoides  arborea,  Zonitoides  exigua,  Pyramidula 
striatella  catskillensis,  Pyramidula  asteriscus,  Helicodiscus  lineatus,  Strobilops 
virgo,  Punctum  pygmaeum,  Vitrea  ferrea,  Sphyradium  edentulum,  and  Pallifera 
hemphilli.  all  forms  that  are  abundant  in  the  deciduous  forest. 

That  certain  forms,  for  example  the  Pitcher  Plant  and  Sphagnum,  that 
characterize  the  southern  tamarack  swamps  are  also  restricted  to  the  same 
habitat  in  this  region,  and  the  fact  that  the  climax  flood-plain  society  is 
evidently  of  the  deciduous  forest  type,  suggests  that  the  cassandra  and 
coniferous  societies  will  be  ultimately  replaced  in  the  flood-plain  succession. 
But,  on  the  other  hand,  the  wide  distribution  in  this  region  of  many  of  the 
forms  that  are  largely  confined  to  bogs  further  south,  such  as  the  Balsam  Fir, 
Dwarf  Cornel  and  Red-backed  Mouse,  Starnosed  Mole,  and  Southern  Varying 
Hare,  indicate  that  the  conditions  wrhich  permit  the  boreal  forms  to  hold 
certain  swamps  to  the  south  are  here  more  wide  spread;  while  the  similarity 
between  the  bog  and  flood-plain  societies  indicates,  as  might  be  expected, 
that  the  more  nearly  related  habitats  are  the  most  noticeably  and  probably 
the  first  to  be  modified  by  the  change  of  conditions. 

Station  IV.  Substation  1.  The  amphibious  forms  of  the  mud  flats  grade 
into  the  aquatic  forms  of  the  river  by  such  marginal  forms  as  Dulichium 
arundinaceum  and  Sagittaria.  The  slow  current  of  the  river  is  an  important 
factor  in  determining  the  nature  of  this  habitat,  as  it  results  in  conditions 
similar  to  those  that  prevail  in  ponds,  thus  permitting  a  biota  adapted  to 
pond  conditions  to  gain  a  foothold.  The  vegetation,  although  poorly  rep- 
resented, is  decidedly  of  the  quiet  water  type,  being  composed  principally 
of  the  Yellow  Pond  Lily,  and  Myriophyllum,  and  to  a  small  extent  of  the 
Sweet  Scented  White  Water  Lily,  and  Potamogeton  natans,  Fig.  19. 

The  fauna  also  shows  the  effect  of  the  slow  current,  but,  owing  to  lack  of 
data  on  the  habitats  of  the  different  forms,  it  is  impossible  to  determine 
definitely  to  what  extent  it  is  modified  by  the  changing  conditions.  It  is, 
however,  evident  in  a  general  way,  for  the  forms  that  occur  here  are  all  forms 
that  occur  in  ponds  as  well  as  streams,  while  the  characteristic  river  forms 
that  occur  in  the  streams  after  they  leave  the  mountains  are  apparently 
not  represented.  For  example,  the  molluscs  found  here,  Amnicola  limosa, 
Ancylus  parallelus,  Valvata  tricarinata,  Physa  sp.  and  Planorbis  exacuous, 
hirsutus  and  campanulatus,  were  all  found  on  the  vegetation  and  are  forms 
that,  according  to  Baker,  inhabit  ponds  and  streams  with  aquatic  vegetation 
and  mud  bottom,  but  Limnaea  decollata,  that  occurs  on  the  bare  rocky  bottom 
in  the  swift  waters  of  the  lower  parts  of  the  river,  is  apparently  absent. 
The  fish  are  represented  by  the  Fine  Scaled  Sucker,  Horned  Dace,  Spawn 
Eater,  Trout  Perch,  Yellow  Perch,  and  Nototropis  cayuga.  The  Horned 
Dace  is,  according  to  Forbes,  almost  entirely  confined  to  brooks  and  small 
streams.  It  is  very  abundant  in  Carp  river,  especially  in  the  head  waters, 
and  may  thus  be  taken  to  represent  the  stream  conditions  that  still  prevail, 
but  in  the  quiet  waters  near  the  lake,  there  are  associated  with  it  the  deeper, 
quiet  water,  bottom  feeders,  the  Yellow  Perch  and  Sucker,  while  the  charac- 
.,  teristic  stream  forms  such^s  the  Brook  Trout  and  Grayling  were  not  found. 
Certain  other  forms  are  so  closely  associated  with  this  habitat  that  they 
must  be  listed  here;  the  more  conspicuous  of  these  are  the  dragon  flies, 


36  MICHIGAN   SURVEY,  1905. 

Calopteryx  aequabilis,  Aeschna  clepsydra  and  Plathemis  lydia,  and  the 
Kingfisher,  Muskrat,  etc. 

Station  V.  Substation  3.  The  biota  of  Carp  Lake  indicates  that  the 
environmental  conditions  are  very  similar  to  those  that  exist  in  the  river 
above  it  but  are  even  more  pond-like.  The  fish  are  the  same  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  Horned  Dace,  which  was  not  found  here.  The  Sucker  and 
Yellow  Perch  seem  to  predominate.  Toward  the  shore  the  bottom  becomes 
covered  with  vegetation,  chiefly  Myriophyllum,  among  the  leaves  of  which, 
especially  in  the  axils,  occur  the  snails,  Amnicola  limosa  and  Valvata  tricar- 
inata.  This  society  soon  becomes  mixed  with  Potamogeton  natans  that  forms 
a  large  well  defined  zone.  On  the  inner  margin  of  this  zone,  the  Tape  Grass, 
Vallisneria  spiralis,  often  occurs  in  extensive  mats  but  does  not  form  a 
definite  zone.  The  next  zone  of  importance  is  composed  largely  of  the 
Yellow  Pond  Lily  that  is  replaced  near  shore  by  the  Canada  Rush,  Juncus 
canadensis,  that  becomes  largely  mixed  in  shallow  water  with  the  Scouring 
Rush,  Equisetum  fluviatile. 

Station  V.  Substation  1.  Where  this  marginal  rush  zone  extends  to  the 
shore,  the  bivalves,  Sphaerium  simile,  Anodonta  marginata,  and  Pisidium 
sp.,  and  the  univalves,  Planorbis  bicarinatus,  campanulatus  and  deflectus 
are  found  in  the  silt  and  on  the  small  stones. 

On  the  fine  sand  of  the  narrow  beach,  Equisetum  hyemale  associated  with 
the  Horned  Bladderwort  (Utricularia  cornuta),  Nodding  Ladies  Tresses, 
and  Seven  Angled  Pipewort  forms  a  scattered  vegetation  behind  which 
comes  an  alder  thicket  which  is  followed  in  turn  by  the  mesophytic  forest 
types. 

Station  V.  Substation  2.  The  delta  that  is  being  formed  by  the  river 
at  the  east  end  of  the  lake  is  similar  in  many  ways  to  the  mud  flats  along 
the  river  and  presents  similar  but  more  extensive  environmental  conditions. 
On  the  submerged  part  of  the  delta,  Juncus  canadensis  is  mostly  absent 
from  the  rush  society  which  is  extensive  and  composed  principally  of 
Equisetum  fluviatile  associated  on  the  inner  margin  with  E.  hyemale  and 
littorale.  These  forms  are  replaced  on  the  area  that  is  ordinarily  unsub- 
merged,  by  Dulichium  arundinaceum,  Car  ex  filiformis,  riparia  and  viridula, 
associated  on  the  dryer  areas  with  Calamagrostis  canadensis,  Scirpus  cyperinus, 
Agrostis  hy emails,  Eupatorium  purpureum,  Deschampsia  flexusa,  Panicularia 
canadensis,  Solidago  uliginosa,  Swamp  Milkweed,  Nodding  Ladies  Tresses, 
Pale  St.  Johns  wort  and  Marsh  Cinquefoil. 

The  fauna  also  shows  the  similarity  between  the  conditions  of  this  habitat 
and  the  mud  flats.  The  dragon  flies  found  here  are  Enallagma  hageni, 
Nehalennia  irene,  Enallagma  carunculatum,  Ischnura  verticalis,  Hagenius 
brevistylus,  Gomphus  spicatus,  Aeschna  clepsydra  and  Plathemis  lydia 
Of  these  Enallagma  hageni  is  the  characteristic  form  and  occurs  in  consider- 
able numbers.  The  birds,  as  on  the  mud  flats,  are  the  waders  and  shore 
forms  such  as  the  Carolina  Rail,  Great  Blue  Heron,  American  Bittern, 
Solitary  Sandpiper  and  Wilson's  Snipe.  The  nature  of  the  habitat  is  also 
shown  by  the  presence  of  most  of  the  amphibian  species  of  the  region.  The 
frogs  are  represented  by  Rana  pipiens  brachycephala,  clamitans,  and  sep- 
tentrionalis.  No  turtles  were  observed,  but  the  Garter  Snake,  T.  sirtalis 
sirtalis  was  taken  several  times. 

The  grass  and  sedge  society  passes  directly  into  an  alder  society  without 
an  intervening  cassandra  zone,  and  the  forms  of  the  alder  society  are  in  turn 
followed  by  the  forms  of  the  deciduous  forest. 

It  was  shown  in  the  discussion  of  the  topography  that  the  tendency  of  an 


FIG.  11.  "Bald"  on  the  top  of  the  First  Range,  station  III.  6,  showing  the  bare  rock,  heath  plants 
in  crevices,  scattered  pines  and  stunted  aspens  that  characterize  this  habitat. 


FIG.  12.  The  zone  of  stunted  aspens,  station  II.  5,  surrounding  the  "bald." 
show  the  effect  of  the  wind. 


The  pine  stumps 


ECOLOQY  OF  NORTHERN   MICHIGAN.  37 

agraded  stream  is  to  cut  into  the  sides  of  its  valley,  and  to  build  up  a  plain 
at  its  own  level  by  the  deposition  in  its  channel  of  the  material  derived  in 
this  way.  It  was  also  pomted  out  that  areas  representing  different  stages 
in  this  process  are  characterized  by  different  biota.  Since  the  process  is 
still  going  on  it  is  necessary  to  consider  the  biota  in  reference  to  the  changing 
conditions.  The  nature  of  the  changes  which  Carp  river  produces  on  the 
topography  is  determined  by  its  low  gradient  and  slow  current.  As  it  meanders 
over  its  flood-plain,  the  mud  flats  that  are  formed  on  the  inner  side  of  the 
bends  are  extended  into  the  stream  by  the  deposition  of  material  on  their 
inner  margin.  The  quiet  water  and  favorable  substratum  on  the  sub- 
merged parts  of  these  flats  afford  a  favorable  habitat  for  the  pond  or  quiet 
water  forms  of  life.  As  the  deposition  of  the  streams  during  floods  builds 
these  flats  above  the  ordinary  level  of  the  river,  the  conditions  become  un- 
favorable for  the  aquatic  forms,  which  are  compelled  to  migrate  outward; 
at  the  same  time,  however,  they  become  favorable  for  the  amphibious  forms 
of  the  grass  and  sedge  zone  that  gradually  push  out  and  occupy  the  flat  as 
it  becomes  dry  enough.  The  continued  deposition  during  floods,  and  the 
accumulation  of  plant  remains  continue  to  raise  the  level  of  the  mud  flats, 
and,  as  the  conditions  become  dryer,  they  support  successively  the  cassandra, 
alder  and  the  deciduous  forest  types  of  life.  Where  the  river  cuts  into  the 
sides  of  the  valley,  the  flood-plain  is  destroyed,  and  its  societies  are  limited 
to  a  single  narrow  zone  between  the  deciduous  forest  and  the  river;  in  this 
zone,  the  littoral,  cassandra  and  coniferous  societies  may  be  entirely  lacking, 
but  the  alder  society  is  nearly  always  represented. 

Carp  Lake  may  be  considered  as  the  river  expanded  and  covering  its 
flood-plain  to  the  sides  of  the  valley,  and  the  changes  that  are  going  on  are 
very  similar  to  those  that  are  being  produced  by  the  river.  The  conditions 
however,  are  more  pond-like  for  the  current  that  the  river  possessed  above 
the  lake  is  lost,  so  that  there  is  no  lateral  corrasion.  Deposition  is  going  on 
all  about  the  margin,  owing  to  wash  from  the  sides  of  the  valley  and  the  de- 
posits made  at  the  mouth  of  the  river,  so  that  the  aquatic  conditions  are 
being  changed  into  the  terrestrial  in  a  manner  analagous  to  the  development 
of  a  mud  flat  into  a  flood-plain,  and  the  successive  zones  referred  to  in  the 
discussion  of  the  biota  are  steadily  encroaching  on  the  lake. 

Different  stages  in  the  destruction  of  the  lake  may  be  observed  nearly 
every  where  about  its  shores,  but,  owing  to  the  dominance  of  different 
factors,  the  encroaching  societies  are  not  always  equally  developed.  The 
extreme  of  this  is  shown  on  the  north  shore  where,  owing  to  the  proximity 
of  the  cliff,  the  talus  slope  dips  into  the  lake,  the  fresh  talus  fragments  fall 
nearly  to  the  water  and  very  little  soil  has  accumulated.  There  is,  therefore, 
no  shelving  beach  at  this  point,  the  aquatic  and  mud  flat  societies  are 
absent  while  the  alder  zone  is  represented  only  by  a  few  forms,  the  Hoary 
Alder  more  conspicuously,  and  is  largely  mixed  with  the  Mountain  Ash, 
White  and  Red  Pine  and  Wild  Cherry  of  the  talus  slope.  At  the  east  end 
of  the  lake  the  grass  and  sedge  zone  constitutes  the  principal  society,  for, 
owing  to  the  large  amount  of  material  carried  by  the  river,  the  delta  is  built 
up  to  the  level  of  the  lake  much  faster  than  it  can  be  raised  above  it  by  the 
accumulation  of  plant  remains  and  flood  deposits,  while  at  the  same  time 
owing  to  the  shelving  nature  of  its  outer  margin,  the  aquatic  zone  is  also 
extensively  developed.  At  the  west  end  of  the  lake,  however,  the  margin 
is  shallow,  deposition  is  slow,  and  the  aquatic  societies  are  the  most 
prominently  developed. 

But,  notwithstanding  differences  in  the  rapidity  of  the  process,  the  lake 


38  MICHIGAN   SURVEY,  1905. 

is  undoubtedly  being  filled  up,  and  the  present  environmental  and  biotic 
conditions  are  being  changed  toward  those  of  the  river  flood-plain. 

Station  IV.  South  of  Carp  Lake  the  country  is  covered  by  the  biota  of 
the  deciduous  forest  type  which  is  essentially  the  same  as  on  the  north 
slope.  The  small  spring  brooks  which  drain  the  region,  however,  bring  in 
a  different  set  of  conditions,  and  may  be  considered  as  representative  of 
the  headwater  conditions  of  the  larger  streams.  The  two  studied  on  Sections 
23  and  28,  T.  51  N.,  R.  43  W.,  are  shallow,  cold,  swift  flowing  streams  from 
6  to  15  feet  wide  with  a  bottom  composed  of  gravel  and  stones.  The  biota 
is  limited  in  variety  probably  owing  principally  to  the  coldness  of  the  water. 
There  is  practically  no  aquatic  vegetation,  and  the  fauna  consists  chiefly 
of  the  snail,  Planorbis  parvus,  caddis — and  stone-fly  larvae,  and  the  frogs, 
Rana  septentrionalis,  clamitans,  and  R.  sylvatica  cantabrigensis.  On  the 
banks  of  these  streams,  however,  the  conditions  are  much  more  favorable. 
The  deciduous  trees  usually  overtop  them  entirely,  so  that  the  humus  con- 
ditions along  the  margin  are  essentially  the  same  as  in  the  forest  with  the 
exception  of  a  considerable  increase  in  the  moisture  content.  The  flora 
that  lines  the  creek  is  composed  of  such  forms  as  Caltha  palustris,  Equisetum 
sylvaticum,  Cinna  latifolia,  Onoclea  sensibilis,  Scirpus  cyperinus,  Osmunda 
claytoniana,  Skunk  Cabbage,  Carex  crinita  and  pubescens,  and  large  mats  of 
Conecephalus  conicus  and  Endocarpon  miniatum.  Behind  this  narrow  zone 
occur  occasional  clumps  of  alders  (Alnus  incand),  and  Mountain  Maple. 

The  molluscan  fauna  of  the  creek  bank  is  characterized  principally  by  an 
increase  in  the  abundance  of  the  forest  forms,  while  among  very  wet  leaves 
Physa  sayii  is  occasionally  found. 

It  will  be  noticed  that  the  biota  of  the  creek  bank  is  composed  of  members 
of  the  alder,  sedge  and  forest  societies  of  the  river  valley,  but  that  the  forms 
of  the  cassandra  and  coniferous  societies  are  apparently  lacking. 

Station  VII.  Practically  the  same  conditions  prevail  in  Little  Carp  Lake 
as  in  Carp  Lake,  although  its  smaller  size  probably  affects  the  biota  to  some  ex- 
tent. The  deciduous  forest  forms  extend  down  the  sides  of  the  bordering  hills 
nearly  to  the  waters  edge.  Between  the  forest  and  the  water  there  is  a  narrow 
zone  of  vegetation  the  most  conspicuous  form  of  which  is  the  Hoary  Alder 
(Alnus  incand)  which  is  associated  with  the  Few  Flowering  Cranberry,  etc.  The 
rush  society  in  the  margin  of  the  water  and  on  the  delta  (which  is  mostly 
submerged)  is  composed  principally  of  Equisetum  (fluviatile  where  examined) 
but  for  a  short  distance  along  the  south  shore  the  Canada  Rush  becomes 
prominent.  As  a  rule,  the  aquatic  societies  are  not  extensive,  the  vegeta- 
tion of  the  rush  societies  is  scattered  even  on  the  delta,  while  the  pond  lily 
zone  is  only  occasionally  present. 

The  bivalve,  Anodonta  marginata,is  quite  commonly  found  about  the  margin 
of  the  lake,  especially  on  the  delta.  The  most  characteristic  fish,  at  this 
time  of  the  year,  are  the  Sucker  and  Horned  Dace,  the  latter  being  very 
abundant. 

Station  VII.  Substation  2.  Above  the  lake,  Little  Carp  river  is  a  small 
meandering  stream  about  15  feet  wide  and  2  feet  deep.  It  enters  the  lake 
through  a  narrow  valley  about  one-fourth  of  a  mile  long  which  is  crossed 
at  the  east  end  by  several  beaver  dams.  Above  these  dams,  the  valley  widens 
out  into  an  amphitheater  about  a  mile  long  by  one-fourth  mile  wide.  In 
the  narrow  part  of  the  valley  near  the  lake,  the  space  between  the  river  and 
the  foot  of  the  adjacent  ridges  is  occupied  by  a  dense  thicket  of  Hoary  Alder, 
(Alnus  incand).  As  the  valley  widens  out  above  the  dams,  this  alder  zone, 
composed  now  of  the  Hoary  Alder,  Betula  glandulosa,  and  several  willows,  is 


ECOLOGY  OF  NORTHERN  MICHIGAN.  39 

separated  from  the  mesophytic  forests  of  the  slopes  by  a  coniferous  society 
of  Tamarack,  White  Spruce,  White  and  Black  Ash,  and  follows  closely  the 
foot  of  the  ridge.  The  floor  of  the  valley  is  occupied  by  a  broad  beaver 
meadow,  covered  with  a  luxuriant  growth  of  grasses,  sedges  and  other 
herbaceous  forms,  Fig.  20. 

Among  the  conspicuous  forms  in  this  meadow  may  be  mentioned  Carex 
monile,  filiformis  and  viridula,  Juncus  effusus  and  tennis,  Agrostis  hyemale, 
Calamagrostis  canadensis,  Scirpus  cyperinus,  Deschampsia  flexusa,  Pani- 
cularia  canadensis,  Solidago  neglecta  and  erecta,  and  the  Marsh  Bellflower, 
Joe  Pye  Weed,  Swamp  Milkweed  and  Nodding  Ladies  Tresses.  The  fauna 
is  composed  chiefly  of  the  butterflies,  Basilarchia  arthemis,  Vanessa  antiopa 
and  Argynnis  cybele;  the  dragon-flies,  Sympetrum  obtrusum  and  Aeschna 
clepsydra;  the  grasshopper,  Camnula  pellucida;  and  the  amphibians,  Hyla 
pickeringii  and  Rana  clamitans.  This  is  also  the  habitat  of  the  Song  and 
Swamp  Sparrows,  and  there  was  abundant  evidence  that  it  was  a  favorite 
feeding  ground  for  deer. 

Station  VII.  Substation  3.  The  dams  at  the  west  end  of  the  beaver 
meadow  are  not  now  in  repair,  so  that  they  influence  but  little  the  nature 
of  the  river,  except  as  small  pools,  four  or  five  feet  deep,  are  formed  behind 
them,  where  the  current  is  deflected  to  one  side.  In  these  pools  the  char- 
acteristic fish  is  Couesius  plumbeus,  although  the  Sucker  is  sometimes  found. 
The  fauna  of  the  river,  in  harmony  with  the  conditions,  is  composed  mostly 
of  brook  and  creek  forms,  such  as  the  Shiner,  Nototropis  cornutus,  and  the 
Dwarf  Stickle  Back,  Eucalia  inconstans  pygmaea.  There  is  very  little 
aquatic  vegetation. 

The  mud  flats  along  the  river  are  small  and  practically  devoid  of  vegeta- 
tion with  the  exception  of  scattered  grasses,  such  as  Dulichium  arundinaceum 
and  Calamagrostis  canadensis,  on  the  dryer  portions.  The  birds  that  were 
observed  here  were  the  Solitary  and  Least  Sandpipers  and  the  Yellow-legs. 
On  the  submerged  edges  of  these  flats,  the  characteristic  form  is  the  mollusc 
Sphaerium  simile  with  which  is  occasionally  associated  Anodonta  marginata. 

The  meadow  is  the  result  of  an  extension  of  the  conditions  that  normally 
prevail  on  the  wetter  parts  of  the  flood-plain,  and  with  this  extension  of  the 
habitat  there  is  associated  an  increase  of  the  grass  and  sedge  zones.  When 
the  dams,  which  are  largely  formed  of  Hoary  Alder,  were  constructed, 
the  flood-plain  in  the  broad  part  of  the  valley  was  flooded,  and  this  ponding 
of  the  stream  resulted  in  the  killing  off  of  the  dryer  flood-plain  flora.  It 
is  not  probable  that  the  pond  covered  the  entire  valley,  but  the  low  adjacent 
ground  between  the  pond  and  the  sides  of  the  valley  would  be  saturated 
and  subjected  to  floods,  making  the  conditions  favorable  for  the  grasses 
and  sedges  and  an  associated  fauna,  so  that  a  small  meadow  analagous  to 
the  present  one  probably  existed  about  its  margin. 

No  evidence  of  the  extent  of  the  pond  now  remains,  for  with  the  trapping 
off  of  the  Beaver  the  dams  were  no  longer  repaired  and  were  broken  through 
by  the  river.  The  pond  was  thus  drained  and  the  water  resumed  its  former 
channel.  This  resulted  in  better  drainage  and  a  consequently  dryer  sub- 
stratum in  the  meadow,  so  that  the  meadow  forms  were  able  to  follow  the 
water  as  it  retreated,  while  the  conditions  are,  at  the  present  time,  becom- 
ing favorable  for  the  higher  flood-plain  and  deciduous  forest  forms,  that  are 
working  in  about  the  margin.  That  the  encroachment  of  the  forest  forms 
will  -ultimately  destroy  the  meadow  by  narrowing  the  habitats  of  the  grass 
and  sedge  societies,  is  evident  from  an  examination  of  the  conditions  in 
localities  where  the  Beaver  formerly  occurred.  For  instance,  there  have 


40  MICHIGAN   SURVEY,  1905. 

been  no  Beaver  on  Carp  river  within  the  memory  of  several  of  the  trappers 
in  the  region,  and  yet  several  of  the  bends  of  the  river  were  found  to  be  due 
to  the  remains  of  old  dams  which  were  once  evidently  of  considerable  size. 
Now  a  slight  raising  of  the  water  level  in  this  valley,  such  as  would  be  caused 
by  these  dams  if  they  were  in  repair,  would  cause  the  plain  to  be  flooded, 
the  trees  to  be  killed  off  and  either  a  pond  or  meadow  would  result  according 
to  the  height  of  the  dam.  It  thus  seems  probable  that  the  present  flood- 
plain  societies  of  Carp  river  have  reoccupied  the  flood-plain  since  the  Beaver 
were  killed  off,  which  suggests  that  the  history  of  the  meadow  on  Little 
Carp  river  will  be  similar. 

6.     SUMMARY. 

In  order  to  get  at  the  relation  between  the  physical  changes  and  the 
biota  of  the  region  as  a  whole,  it  will  be  necessary  to  summarize  the  present 
conditions,  the  biota,  the  processes  that  are  dominant  in  the  different 
habitats,  and  the  changes  which  they  are  bringing  about. 

I.  Beach.  The  beach  consists  of  tilted  strata  of'  rock  that  are  exposed 
to  the  forces  of  weathering  and  the  action  of  waves.  It  may  be  divided  into 
three  parts  on  the  basis  of  the  processes  acting  upon  it.  The  Lower  Beach 
is  exposed  to  the  pounding  of  the  waves,  that  tend  to  break  up  the  rock 
and  carry  the  fragments  back  in  the  undertow,  building  them  up  in  a  sub- 
marine terrace.  The  Middle  Beach  is  exposed  to  the  action  of  waves  only 
during  the  winter  months;  during  the  summer  months  the  forces  of  weather- 
ing predominate  and  tend  to  form  a  soil.  This  soil  tends  to  be  removed 
during  the  winter  with  the  exception  of  a  small  amount  that  accumulates 
in  the  edges  of  the  joint  planes.  The  Upper  Beach  is,  at  present,  above  the 
reach  of  both  summer  and  winter  waves  and  is  chiefly  exposed  to  the  forces 
of  weathering,  which  have  formed  a  slight  residual  soil. 

The  biota  of  the  beach  as  a  whole  is  adapted  to  the  conditions  that  prevail 
in  this  habitat,  and  may  be  divided  into  three  groups  that  are  closely  asso- 
ciated with  the  physiographic  divisions.  There  is  practically  no  life  on 
the  Lower  Beach,  owing  to  the  pounding  of  the  waves.  The  life  on  the 
Middle  Beach  consists  for  the  most  part  of  annuals  that  can  obtain  a  foot- 
hold during  the  summer  on  the  slight  soil  in  the  crevices,  and  a  few  asso- 
ciated animal  forms.  The  flora  of  the  Upper  Beach,  in  response  to  the  more 
favorable  soil  conditions  and  the  absence  of  wave  action,  consists  of  a  number 
of  annuals  and  perennials;  while  the  more  favorable  food  conditions  are 
likewise  marked  by  an  increase  in  the  animal  forms. 

The  changes  that  are  taking  place  are  due  to  the  action  of  waves  and 
weathering.  The  waves  by  cutting  into  the  beach  cause  it  to  retreat  inland, 
but  the  submarine  terrace  built  up  at  the  same  time  tends  to  cause  this 
retreat  to  proceed  more  slowly  in  its  later  stages,  as  the  growing  terrace 
carries  the  breaker  line  off  shore  and  tends  to  lessen  the  effect  of  the  summer 
and  winter  waves.  This  is,  in  part,  counteracted  in  the  Porcupine  Moun- 
tains by  the  sinking  of  the  coast  line,  and  the  beach  as  a  whole  is  moving 
inland.  As  the  force  of  the  waves  is  diminished,  the  process  of  weathering 
increases  in  comparative  importance,  the  beach  tends  to  become  broken  up, 
and  the  area  of  the  habitats  frequented  by  the  crevice  forms  increases. 

//.  1.  Arbor  Vitae  Swamp.  The  narrow  area  back  of  the  beach,  at  the 
foot  of  the  north  slope  is  not  well  drained,  and  the  soil  is  covered  by  a  thick 
layer  of  humus. 

The  forms  adapted  to  these  conditions  are  plants  and  animals  found  in 


FJG.  13.  The  zone  of  heath  plants  and  scattered  pines,  station  III.    2,    surrounding  the  bald  areas 
above  the  aspen  zone,  on  the  top  of  the  First  Range. 


Fio.  14.  Face  of  the  cliff  and  talus  slope  (looking  north  from  Carp  Lake)  station  III.  5,  show- 
ing hardwoods  in  the  foreground  on  the  lower  part  of  the  talus  slope,  the  bare  portion  of  the  talus, 
and  the  belt  of  vegetation  (pines,  oaks  &c.)  at  the  foot  of  the  cliff.  The  presence  of  the  pines  on  the 
cliff  show  the  influence  of  rock  ledges. 


ECOLOGY  OF  NORTHERN  MICHIGAN.  41 

swampy  areas.  If  the  imdrained  conditions  of  these  areas  are  caused  by  the 
sinking  of  the  coast,  this  habitat  will  tend  to  become  destroyed  by  the 
encroachment  of  the  beach  conditions.  If,  on  the  other  hand,  this  encroach- 
ment is  relatively  slow  compared  with  other  changes,  the  accumulation  of 
the  inwash  and  organic  debris  will  tend  to  convert  such  a  swamp  into  a  dryer 
habitat  and  cause  the  present  biota  to  be  succeeded  by  a  society  adapted 
to  the  new  conditions. 

//.  2.  North  Slope  of  First  Ridge.  This  slope  on  account  of  its  relief 
is  well  exposed  both  to  the  forces  of  weathering  and  of  denudation  and  is 
covered  by  a  layer  of  soil  that  becomes  thinner  near  the  top  of  the  ridge. 
Above  this  soil  there  is  a  layer  of  humus  and  vegetable  mould  that  tends 
to  conduct  the  water  from  the  surface,  thus  greatly  diminishing  the  effects 
of  denudation.  (It  also  furnishes  organic  constituents  to  the  soil). 

These  conditions  are  very  favorable  for  plant  life,  and  the  lower  part  of 
the  slope  is  covered  by  a  dense  forest  with  which  is  associated  a  large  number 
of  animals.  This  biota  is  composed  partly  of  forms  whose  principal  dis- 
tribution is  in  southeastern  North  America,  and  partly  of  those  which 
predominate  to  the  north  of  the  Great  Lakes  and  in  the  bogs  to  the  south. 
On  the  thinner  soil  near  the  top  of  the  ridge,  those  forms  of  the  forest  pre- 
dominate that  can  live  in  the  more  open,  poorer  soil,  and  dryer  conditions 
of  this  habitat. 

The  processes  working  on  this  slope  tend  to  reduce  the  ridge  toward 
base  level  and  to  increase  the  depth  of  the  soil.  The  accumulation  of  humus 
retards  the  former  process,  while  the  latter  proceeds  more  and  more  slowly 
as  the  soil  increases  in  thickness.  Changes  are  thus  taking  place  very  slowly, 
and  the  physiographic  processes  are  evidently  tending  to  approach  an  equili- 
brium. Near  the  top  of  the  ridge,  owing  to  thinner  layers  of  soil  and  humus, 
the  changes  are  more  rapid  but  in  the  direction  of  the  conditions  that  prevail 
on  the  lower  part  of  the  slope,  and  the  biota  adapted  to  these  conditions  is 
pushing  up  the  slope. 

///.  Mountain  Top.  On  the  bare  mountain  top,  the  forces  of  weather- 
ing tend  to  break  up  the  rock  into  a  soil  that  is  washed  or  blown  away  nearly 
as  fast  as  it  is  formed,  except  along  the  joint  planes. 

The  flora  consists  of  rock  inhabiting  lichens  and  a  number  of  crevice  forms, 
the  fauna  of  the  types  frequenting  open  habitats,  such  as  the  grasshoppers, 
etc. 

The  soil  formed  in  the  crevices  is  in  part  held  by  plant  roots,  and,  since 
these  soil  areas  are  the  habitats  of  the  crevice  forms  of  life,  as  they  gradually 
spread  out,  the  habitats  of  the  rock  inhabitating  forms  are  restricted.  At 
the  same  time,  the  soil  washed  down  the  slope  is  held  at  the  forest  margin, 
thus  permitting  the  forest  societies  to  encroach  on  the  crevice  forms  which 
will  thus  in  time  tend  to  become  replaced  by  the  forest  forms.  This  succes- 
sion of  forms  is  modified  by  the  influence  of  the  strong  winds  which  tend 
to  break  down  the  pioneer  trees  on  the  exposed  areas. 

///.  Cliff  and  Talus  Slope.  The  cliff  is  constantly  exposed  to  the  forces 
of  weathering,  for  as  fast  as  the  rock  is  broken  up  it  is  removed,  exposing 
a  fresh  surface. 

The  fauna  and  flora,  owing  to  the  unstable  and  exposed  conditions,  are 
very,  poor  except  on  the  rock  ledges,  where  a  slight  soil  accumulates. 

The  talus  slope  at  the  foot  of  the  cliff  is  also  very  unstable  and  is  exposed 
to  the  destructive  effects  of  falling  rock  fragments.  Toward  the  bottom, 
beyond  the  limit  of  falling  rocks,  the  blocks  tend  to  become  broken  up  into 
a  soil. 


42  MICHIGAN   SURVEY,  1905. 

The  biota  of  the  talus  slope,  on  account  of  the  unstable  conditions,  is  also 
very  poor.  Toward  the  bottom  of  the  slope  the  rocks*  become  covered  by 
a  vegetation  of  lichens,  and  farther  down  by  a  slight  soil  and  the  heath  and 
forest  societies. 

As  the  cliff  is  destroyed,  the  talus  slope  and  the  top  of  the  ridge  tend  to 
approach.  The  lower  part  of  the  talus  slope  in  time  becomes  broken  up 
to  form  a  soil,  and  the  deciduous  forest  types  from  below  tend  to  spread 
up  the  slope  thus  encroaching  on  the  areas  occupied  by  the  cliff  and  talus 
slope  forms. 

IV.  Carp  River  Valley.     The    sides  of  the  valley  of  Carp  river  slope 
down  to  a  low  flood-plain  that  becomes  still  lower  near  the  river,  grading  into 
mud  flats  along  the  stream.     The  soil  is  deep  and  contains  a  large  amount 
of  organic  material,  and  there  is  a  decrease  in  its  moisture  content  from 
the  mud  flats  tup  into  the  forest. 

The  aquatic  biota  is  a  mixture  of  pond  and  river  types.  The  mud  flats 
are  inhabited  by  amphibious  forms  that  are  replaced  on  the  dryer  parts  of 
the  flood-plain  by  the  sedge,  cassandra,  and  alder  societies,  behind  which 
usually  occurs  a  society  of  Tamarack,  White  Spruce  and  White  and  Black 
Ash.  On  the  valley  slopes  occurs  the  mesophytic  forest  type  of  biota. 

The  prominent  forces  at  work  in  these  habitats  are  those  of  denudation 
and  deposition.  The  river  tends  to  destroy  the  adjacent  ridges  and  build 
up  a  part  of  the  material  derived  in  this  way  into  mud  flats.  Deposition 
during  high  water  builds  these  flats  above  the  level  of  the  water,  and  they 
come  in  time  to  form  part  of  the  flood-plain.  The  flood-plain  is  in  turn  built 
up  by  deposition  during  floods  and  by  the  accumulation  of  organic  remains 
until  the  conditions  become  similar  to  those  in  the  adjacent  forest  habitats. 
The  effect  of  the  processes  is,  therefore,  to  reduce  the  country  to  a  level 
plain  thus  permitting  the  encroachment  of  the  forest  forms. 

V.  VII.     Carp  and  Little  Carp  Lakes.     These  lakes  on  account  of  the 
similarity  of  conditions  may  be  considered  together.     They  are,  for  the  most 
part,  shallow  throughout.     At  the  east  end  of  each  lake,  there  is  a  broad 
delta  formed  at  the  mouth  of  the  entering  stream. 

The  aquatic  biota  is  of  the  quiet  water  type.  At  the  margin  occur  the 
amphibious  forms  that  give  way  on  the  dryer  ground  to  the  flood-plain 
and  forest  forms.  The  deltas  afford  conditions  similar  to  those  on  the  mud 
flats  and  are  occupied  by  a  flora  of  grasses  and  sedges,  and  an  associated 
fauna  that  is  characterized  by  such  forms  as  the  snipes,  sandpipers,  etc: 

The  lakes  are  evidently  being  filled  up,  and  the  conditions  are  approaching 
those  of  the  surrounding  and  encroaching  forests. 

VII.  2-8.  Little  Carp  River.  This  is  a  small  meandering  stream  which 
evidently  at  one  time  was  expanded  into  a  pond  by  the  formation  of  beaver 
dams  across  it.  As  the  Beaver  were  trapped  off,  the  dams  were  destroyed 
and  the  pond  became  drained. 

The  biota  of  this  stream  consists  of  brook  types.  The  forms  on  the  mud 
flats  along  the  stream  grade  into  the  flood-plain  biota  which  consists  princi- 
pally of  grasses  and  sedges  which  ordinarily  inhabit  the  wetter  parts  of  the 
flood-plain,  the  higher  ground  types  being  limited  to  a  narrow  zone  in  front 
of  the  forest. 

The  changes  going  on  are  evidently  tending  to  make  the  flood-plain  dryer, 
and  the  forest  is  encroaching  on  the  meadow.  The  present  extent  of  the 
area  occupied  by  the  meadow  forms  is  due  to  the  fact  that  they  were  able 
to  push  in  and  acquire  the  territory  left  by  the  receding  water  of  the  river 
when  the  dams  were  destroyed. 


ECOLOGY  OF  NORTHERN  MICHIGAN.  43 

VI.  Hardwood  Forest.  This  region  has  been  reserved  to  the  last,  for 
the  conditions  are  evidently  those  toward  which  the  other  habitats  tend  to  be 
changed  under  the  present  conditions.  The  conditions  are  similar  to  those  on 
the  north  slope,  and  the  whole  region  is  covered  by  a  similar  type  of  biota. 
This  society  thus  represents  the  climax  society  of  the  region.  It  consists 
of  the  forms  that  are  adapted  to  or  associated  with  the  conditions  which 
prevail  in  this  region  in  the  last  stages  of  the  mutual  adjustment  of  all  the 
environmental  processes.  As  the  processes  become  adjusted  to  one  another, 
the  habitat  of  the  climax  society  is  increased  at  the  expense  of  the  other 
habitats,  and  the  associated  biota  tends  to  become  of  general  geographic 
extent  in  the  region. 

7.      INTERPRETATIONS   AND    CONCLUSIONS. 

From  the  conditions  of  life  in  this  region  as  summarized  above,  the  follow- 
ing interpretations  and  conclusions  seem  justifiable. 

Owing  to  the  dependence  of  forms  of  life  on  their  environment,  biotic 
changes  are  necessarily  closely  related  to  environmental  changes.  These  biotic 
changes  may  occur  in  two  ways;  the  forms  must  either  be  able  to  respond 
to  the  new  conditions  or  be  supplanted  by  other  forms.  That  they  tend 
to  become  adjusted  cannot  be  questioned,  but  in  many  cases  at  least  this 
adjustment  lags  behind  the  changing  conditions,  and  the  forms  are  replaced 
by  others  from  adjacent  habitats  which  are  adjusted  to  the  conditions 
toward  which  the  particular  habitat  is  changing,  thus  bringing  about  a  succes- 
sion of  societies. 

To  understand,  therefore,  the  succession  of  societies  in  a  region  it  is  neces- 
sary to  know  both  the  environmental  conditions  and  the  processes  that 
modify  them.  The  environmental  conditions  are  brought  about  by  the 
association  of  certain  environmental  factors,  such  as  the  geographic,  physio- 
graphic, organic,  edaphic  (the  chemical  and  structural  composition  of  the 
rock  and  the  depth  of  the  soil),  time,  and  climatic  factors.  These  divisions 
are  arbitrary,  for  the  different  factors  are  so  intimately  related  that  they 
can  only  rarely  be  separated,  and  although  certain  ones  may  predominate 
in  different  habitats,  it  is  impossible,  owing  to  this  interrelation,  to  explain 
the  distribution  of  animals  or  plants  on  the  basis  of  a  single  factor,  for  all 
are  more  or  less  involved  in  the  formation  of  a  habitat.  This  is  one  of  the 
primary  reasons  for  emphasizing  habitat  dynamics. 

It  will  be  seen  by  reference  to  Van  Hise  ('04,  p.  40)  that  the  environmental 
factors  given  above  are  the  same  as  the  geological  factors  in  the  belt  of 
weathering.  Each  of  these  factors  is  the  resultant  of  various  processes 
(composed  in  turn  of  physical  forces,  heat,  light,  etc.)  which  when  not  in 
equilibrium  tend  to  become  so.  The  adjustment  of  these  processes  to  each 
other  brings  about  changes  in  the  conditions  which  can  only  approximately 
cease  when  they  approach  an  equilibrium,  as,  for  example,  when  the  topo- 
graphy has  been  reduced  to  a  base-leveled  plain  covered  by  a  layer  of  residual 
soil.  The  conditions  in  habitats  where  the  processes  are  not  in  equilibrium 
are  thus  being  constantly  changed  in  the  direction  of  other  habitats  in  which 
they  have  more  nearly  reached  an  adjustment,  and  a  succession  of  societies  oc- 
curs that  only  ceases  when  the  processes  have  become  approximately  adjusted 
to  each  other.  The  forms  that  are  adapted  to  the  adjusted  conditions  will 
constitute  the  climax  society.  It  is  necessary  to  here  emphasize  the  im- 
portance of  the  organic  factor;  this  must  also  become  adjusted  to  the  others 
for  the  entrance  of  new  forms  into  a  region  may  greatly  change  the  equilib- 
rium of  its  societies. 


44  MICHIGAN   SURVEY,  1905. 

The  conditions  and  changes  that  are  going  on  in  this  region  at  the  present 
time  have  been  given  in  the  discussion  of  the  different  stations,  but,  owing 
to  the  fact  that  the  relation  between  environmental  changes  and  the  succes- 
sion of  societies  has  also  prevailed  in  the  past,  the  historic  factor  in  biotic 
interpretation,  the  present  conditions  will  not  alone  explain  the  present 
biotic  conditions.  It  is  therefore  necessary  to  take  into  account  the  condi- 
tions that  have  prevailed  in  the  past.  This  may  be  done  by  reversing  the  order 
followed  in  the  discussion  and  by  considering  the  past  in  the  light  of  the 
action  of  the  present  processes. 

The  historical  geology  of  the  Lake  Superior  region  has  been  worked  out 
by  Van  Hise  ('04),  and  his  results  are  the  basis  of  the  following  account. 
During  the  earliest  period  the  oldest  rocks  were  formed  of  which  we  have 
any  knowledge;  the  crystalline  schists,  gneisses  and  granites  comprising 
the  Basement  Complex  (the  Kewatin  and  Laurentian) .  They  form  in  North 
America  the  broad  old  land  area,  extending,  according  to  Wilson  ('03,  p.  617), 
from  Coronation  Gulf  in  the  extreme  northwest  of  Canada,  southward  around 
Hudson  Bay,  and  northward  through  Labrador  to  Baffin  Bay  and  beyond. 
South  of  Lake  Superior,  in  Michigan  and  Wisconsin,  there  is  a  continuation 
of  this  area,  largely  buried  in  Michigan  under  later  deposits  but  exposed 
in  a  large  area  in  Central  Wisconsin.  There  were  at  feast  three  series  of 
rocks  formed  upon  the  Basement  Complex  before  the  Keweenawan,  but  the 
mountains  formed  by  the  elevation  and  folding  of  these  rocks  were  reduced 
to  a  peneplain  before  the  Keweenawan  rocks  were  laid  down.  During  the 
period  of  unstable  equilibrium  that  followed  the  Huronian  Epoch,  this 
peneplain  was  submerged,  and  the  sediments  of  the  Keweenawan  Series  were 
laid  down.  During  their  formation,  these  sediments  were  covered  from 
time  to  time  by  great  sheets  of  volcanic  lavas,  the  products  of  fissure  erup- 
tions. At'the  close  of  the  Keweenawan  Epoch,  the  land  was  again  elevated 
and  the  strata  tilted  to  form  great  mountains,  as  is  shown  by  the  inclination 
of  the  strata  in  the  cross  section,  Fig.  2.  During  the  subsequent  cycle  of 
erosion,  the  entire  thickness  of  the  Keweenawan  Series  was  greatly  eroded, 
and  the  mountains  together  with  the  whole  pre-Cambrian  area  (Wilson,  '03, 
and  Weidman,  '03)  were  reduced  nearly  to  sea  level. 

During  Mesozoic  times,  there  was  a  particularly  well  marked  period  of 
baseleveling  that  removed  the  overlying  Palaeozoic  sediments  from  the 
Lake  Superior  region  and  reduced  the  topography  to  a  peneplain.  This 
peneplain,  the  Jura-Cretaceous,  extended  over  much  of  the  existing  land 
area  of  North  America  and  has  been  recognized  in  Canada  (Wilson,  '03,  p. 
658),  in  the  Ozarks  (Hershey,  '01,  pp.  22-24),  eastern  (Davis,  '89,  p.  197) 
and  western  United  States  (Woodworth,  '94,  p.  221).  At  this  time  eastern 
and  western  North  America  were  separated  by  the  Cretaceous  Mediterranean 
Sea.  At  the  close  of  the  Cretaceous  Period,  the  continent  was  unified  by 
an  elevation  of  the  interior  which  banished  the  Mediterranean  Sea  and  put 
an  end  to  the  Jura-Cretaceous  peneplain;  but  in  the  Tertiary  Period  that 
followed;  another  cycle  of  erosion  occurred  which,  although  not  complete 
in  the  mountainous  regions  of  North  America,  sufficed  to  reduce  the  northern 
part  of  the  continent  nearly  to  baselevel  (Upham,  '04).  The  surface  of  the 
earth  in  the  Great  Lakes  region  at  this  time  probably  became  covered  by  a 
thick  mantle  of  residual  soil,  owing  to  the  enormous  length  of  time  during 
which  it  was  subjected  to  disintegrating  processes. 

The  present  elevations  in  the  Porcupine  Mountain  region  are  evidently 
formed  by  the  projecting  edges  of  the  more  resistant  basic  and  acidic  lava 
sheets,  while  the  valleys  of  Carp' and  Union  rivers  are  sunk  by  erosion  into 


ECOLOGY   OF  NORTHERN  MICHIGAN.  45 

a  softer  inter-bedded  clastic.  This  contrast  between  the  resistance  offered 
by  the  sandstone  and  trap  sheets  to  erosion  has  given  rise,  in  a  small  degree, 
to  what  Marbut  ('96,  pp.  29-32)  has  called  step  and  platform  topography. 
The  cross  section,  Fig.  2,  shows  that  the  first  ridge  is  formed  by  the  pro- 
jecting end  of  a  stratum  of  trap; -if  this  sheet  had  been  vertical,  erosion 
would  have  been  equal  on  both  sides  and  the  slope  on  either  side  would  have 
been  the  same.  But,  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  sheet  is  inclined,  the  out- 
cropping edge  protects  the  underlying  sandstone  and  a  precipitous  escarp- 
ment is  formed.  This  section  also  shows  that  the  valley  of  Carp  river  is 
formed  by  the  erosion  of  the  softer  stratum  of  sandstone  lying  between  the 
escarpment  and  the  second  ridge  of  trap,  and  that  the  stream  runs  along 
the  strike  of  the  rocks,  so  that  it  is  difficult  to  believe  with  Dr.  Wright  ('05, 
p.  38)  that  the  valley  was  formed  by  the  submarine  erosion  of  post-glacial 
lakes. 

If  the  second  sheet  of  trap  was,  like  the  first,  underlaid  by  a  bed  of  detrital 
material,  another  escarpment  would  have  been  formed.  But  instead  of 
overlaying  an  interbedded  clastic,  it  overlies  the  hard  resistant  quartzi- 
ferous  porphry  that  constitutes  the  central  part  of  the  mountainous  district. 
This  results  in  the  topography  that  would  prevail  if  the  resistant  stratum 
were  vertical,  i.  e.  equal  slopes  on  either  side.  The  topography,  however 
is  not  of  recent  origin,  and  although  the  physiographic  history  of  this  part 
of  Michigan  has  not  been  worked  out  by  geologists,  one  is  lead  to  believe 
from  the  work  of  Wilson  in  Canada  ('03),  Weidman  in  Wisconsin  ('03), 
and  Van  Hise  in  northern  Michigan  ('94  and  '96)  that  the  baselevel  that  is 
represented  by  the  truncated  strata,  Fig.  2,  probably  represents  a  pre- 
Cambrian  peneplain. 

Prof.  C.  K.  Leith  has  suggested  to  me  in  a  letter  that  this  structure  possibly 
represents  a  peneplain  of  later  age  than  the  Wisconsin  pre-Cambrian,  which 
it  probably  intersects  at  a  low  angle  in  a  manner  similar  to  ,the  intersection 
of  peneplains  of  different  ages  about  the  Laurentian  of  Canada  as  described 
by  Wilson  ('03,  p.  651).  The  Porcupine  Mountains  would  thus  represent 
the  remains  of  a  peneplain,  buried  since  early  geological  time  under  later 
deposits. 

But  whether  the  topography  is  of  pre-Cambrian  or  later  age,  it  is  largely 
determined  by  the  geological  structure  and  has  been  comparatively  little 
modified  by  the  ice  age.  Thus  Van  Hise  ('04,  p.  35)  has  shown  that  the 
rocks  at  present  exposed  in  this  part  of  the  Lake  Superior  region  were  buried 
under  later  deposits  all  through  the  Palaeozoic  Era  and  had  probably  become 
approximately  adjusted  to  those  conditions.  Later  when  they  were  brought 
to  the  surface  by  the  extensive  denudation  of  Cretaceous  and  Tertiary 
Periods,  and  still  later  when  the  thin  layer  of  weathered  material  had  been 
removed  by  the  ice  sheets  of  the  Glacial  Epoch,  this  equilibrium  was  disturbed, 
and  they  at  once  began  to  adjust  themselves  to  the  new  conditions — a 
process  that  is  not  yet  completed. 

At  the  close  of  the  Tertiary  Period,  the  Tertiary  peneplain  was  destroyed 
by  an  elevation  of  3,000  to  5,000  feet  (Upham,  '04,  p.  244)  over  northern 
North  America.  Near  the  culmination  of  this  uplift,  three  centers  of  ice 
accumulation  developed  in  this  region  and  gave  rise  to  the  continental  ice 
sheets  of  the  Glacial  Epoch. 

The  glaciers  that  were  formed  from  these  three  centers  covered  Canada 
and  invaded  the  northern  part  of  the  United  States  at  various  times,  but 
the  final  invasion  was  the  most  important  from  the  standpoint  of  the  present 
biota.  At  this  time,  ice  sheets  fed  by  the  different  centers  united  into  a 


46  MICHIGAN   SURVEY.  1905. 

single  sheet,  the  Wisconsin,  that  covered  Canada  and  moved  southward 
over  northern  United  States,  forcing  the  biota  before  it.  As  the  ice  from 
the  Labradoran  center  reached  the  Great  Lake  region,  it  was  broken  up  into 
lobes,  the  direction  of  which  was  determined  by  the  lake  basins.  The 
Superior  Lobe  traveled  southwest  to  the  end  of  the  lake.  It  then  spread 
out  laterally,  united  with  the  neighboring  lobes  and  moved  southward  as 
a  continuous  sheet. 

Thus  during  the  inception  of  the  ice  age,  certain  forces  gradually  became 
dominant,  throwing  trie  environmental  processes  out  of  adjustment,  chang- 
ing the  conditions  so  that  the  northern  forms  were  able  to  encroach  on  the 
habitats  of  the  more  southern  societies,  thus  resulting  in  a  general  southward 
movement  of  the  biota.  At  the  same  time,  the  habitats  of  the  northern  forms 
were  destroyed,  and  their  societies  were  forced  southward  beyond  the  limits  of 
glaciation.  It  may  be  inferred,  from  the  fossils  of  boreal  forms  now  found 
in  Pleistocene  deposits  near  the  margin  of  the  ice  sheet  (Adams,  '05,  p.  55), 
that  the  societies  during  the*  ice  age  became  adjusted,  in  a  general  way, 
to  the  conditions  beyond  the  ice  margin.  But,  as  the  glaciers  finally  retreated 
the  equilibrium  of  environmental  processes  was  again  disturbed.  The 
conditions  changed  in  favor  of  ^  the  more  southern  forms  which  were  thus 
able  to  extend  their  habitats  into  those  previously  occupied  by  the  boreal 
types.  At  the  same  time,  the  habitats  of  the  northern  forms  were  extended 
by  the  retreat  of  the  ice  sheet  and  a  northward  migration  began  (Adams, 
'02)  In  this  migration  the  extreme  northern  types  were  probably  in  the 
lead,  and  the  barren  ground  left  by  the  retreating  glacier  was  invaded,  in 
all  probability,  by  the  lemmings,  voles,  moles,  ptarmigan,  etc.,  representative 
of  the  tundra.  As  the  glacier  continued  to  retreat  and  the  conditions  became 
more  favorable,  the  habitats  of  the  tundral  types  were  probably  encroached 
upon  by  the  hares,  porcupines,  chipmunks  and  the  Lincoln's,  White-throated 
and -White-crowned  Sparrows,  etc.,  now  characteristic  of  the  northern  boreal 
forest  of  Spruce,  Balsam  Fir  and  Tamarack.  This  biota  was  in  turn  suc- 
ceeded by  the  deciduous  forest  type  that  includes  the  dominant  forms  of 
life  in  Indiana,  Illinois  and  southern  Michigan  today.  As  these  southern 
forms  moved  northward,  they  often  surrounded  groups  of  boreal  plants 
and  animals,  as  illustrated  by  tamarack  swamps  or  bogs.  These  swamps 
are  characterized  by  a  distinctly  northern  biota  consisting  of  such  forms 
as  the  Southern  Varying  Hare,  Star-nosed  Mole,  Red-backed  Mouse,  Cas- 
sandra, Tamarack,  Spruce,  etc.,  and  are  really  boreal  islands  (Bailey,  '96) 
surrounded  by  the  deciduous  forest  types  in  the  northward  migration 
(Adams,  '02,  and  Transeau,  '03). 

When  the  receding  edge  of  the  glacier  reached  the  Great  Lake  region, 
it  was  broken  into  lobes  that  retreated  up  the  lake  basins.  As  soon  as  the 
lobes  had  retreated  beyond  the  southern  watersheds  of  the  Great  Lakes, 
the  water  accumulated  in  front  of  each  lobe  as  an  ice  dammed  lake  which 
drained  through  the  lowest  point  in  the  divide  (Taylor,  '05,  p.  97).  The 
lake  formed  in  front  of  the  Superior  Lobe  drained  by  way  of  the  St.  Croix 
river  through  the  Mississippi  to  the  Gulf,  thus  forming  a  highway  for  the 
migrating  forms  into  the  Lake  Superior  region.  The  Porcupine  Mountains, 
however,  owing  to  the  height  of  the  St.  Croix  outlet,  were  entirely  surrounded 
by  the  lake  (Wright,  '05,  p.  38).  As  the  ice  retreated,  an  eastern  outlet 
was  opened  lower  than  the  St.  Croix,  and  the  level  of  the  lake  descended; 
during  this  descent  successive  beach  lines  were  cut  about  the  Porcupines 
until  they  were  finally  united  with  the  mainland. 

Meanwhile,  as  the  continental  ice  sheet  continued  to  retreat  north  of  the 


ECOLOGY  OF  NORTHERN  MICHIGAN.  47 

Great  Lakes,  it  was  followed  by  plants  and  animals,  so  that  when  it  finally 
disappeared  the  different  forms  of  life  were  left  distributed  in  a  north  and 
south  direction  approximately  in  the  order  of  their  northward  migration. 
The  wide  distribution  of  the  boreal  forms  in  northern  North  America  is  thus 
seen  to  be  very  intimately  related  to  the  character  and  extent  of  the  pene- 
plained  nature  of  the  region. 

Toward  the  south,  with  the  retreat  of  the  last  ice  sheet,  the  boreal  forms 
became  restricted  to  local  areas,  as  in  bogs  for  example,  but  further  north 
they  tend  to  become  of  wider  distribution.  This  is  shown  in  the  Porcupine 
Mountains  by  the  general  distribution  of  forms  that  about  Ann  Arbor,  Mich- 
igan are  confined  to  the  tamarack  swamps,  by  the  presence  of  boreal  forms 
in  the  climax  forest  to  the  exclusion  of  more  southern  forms,  and  by  the  fact 
that  there  are  few  forms  restricted  to  the  bog  societies.  That  this  spread- 
ing out  of  the  conditions  with  which  the  boreal  forms  are  associated  affects 
the  more  nearly  related  habitats  first  is  shown  by  the  number  of  boreal 
forms  in  the  flood-plain  biota  while  on  the  higher  ground  the  southern 
forms  become  more  numerous.  When  the  present  biotic  types  reached 
this  region,  the  various  societies  took  possession  of  the  different  habitats 
to  which  they  were  adapted,  but,  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  processes  were 
not  in  equilibrium  these  societies  could  not  remain  fixed.  This  is  shown, 
at  the  present  time,  where  the  changes  were  taking  place  rapidly,  as  for 
example  on  the  mountain  top,  by  the  fact  that  the  conditions  are  being 
changed  in  the  direction  of  those  that  prevail  on  the  low  land,  and  the  biota 
of  the  cliff  habitats  is  being  supplanted  by  the  deciduous  forest  types  which 
occupy  the  lower  levels  where  the  processes  approach  an  equilibrium.  As 
the  processes  approach  an  adjustment,  the  changes  take  place  more  slowly, 
and  the  more  resistant  forms  may  persist  for  a  considerable  time  in  the 
succeeding  society,  as  is  shown  by  the  presence  of  the  isolated  White  Pines 
in  the  deciduous  forest.  The  deciduous  forest  society  thus  represents  the 
climax  biota  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains,  as  it  is  associated  with  those 
conditions  toward  which  the  other  habitats  are  tending. 

From  the  dynamic  nature  of  the  processes  that  give  rise  to  the  environ- 
mental factors  in  the  different  habitats,  it  follows  that  a  study  of  the  dis- 
tribution of  forms  in  a  particular  region  should  be  made  from  the  standpoint 
of  the  processes  involved,  and,  since  the  conditions  in  particular  habitats 
may  become  of  geographic  extent,  the  same  methods  are  applicable  to  general 
distributional  problems.  This  leads  naturally  to  the  conclusion  so  well 
expressed  by  H.  R.  Mill  ('05,  p.  10)  for  geography  in  general:  "Geography 
was  defined  long  ago  as  the  science  of  distribution;  but  the  old  idea  was 
statical  distribution,  the  laying  down  on  maps  of  where  things  are;  now 
we  see  that  we  ought  to  go  further  and  discuss  also  how  the  things  got 
there,  why  they  remain  there,  whether  they  are  in  transit  and  if  so  how 
their  path  is  determined.  We  are  learning  to  look  on  distribution  from  its 
dynamical  side,  the  earth  with  all  its  activities  being  viewed  as  a  machine 
at  work." 


48  MICHIGAN   SURVEY,  1905. 


PART  II.    ISLE  ROYALE. 

1.      GENERAL   GEOGRAPHY. 

Isle  Royale  is  situated  in  the  northwestern  part  of  Lake  Superior  on  the 
junction  of  the  89th  degree  of  west  longitude  with  the  48th  degree  of  north 
latitude,  Fig.  21.  It  lies  northeast  and  southwest  nearly  parallel  to  the 
north  shore  of  the  lake.  The  topography  is  striking;  several  nearly  parallel 
ridges  separated  by  broad  valleys  run  the  length  of  the  island,  and  pro- 
ject out  into  the  lake  at  either  end  (more  conspicuously  at  the  north)  as  the 
walls  of  deep  fiords.  These  ridges  are  all  low,  the  highest  not  exceeding 
500  feet.  The  geology  and  topography  have  been  discussed  by  Lane  ('98) 
and  Irving  ('83),  and  it  is  sufficient  for  this  report,  to  say  that  the  topography, 
as  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains,  is  closely  dependent  on  the  geological  struc- 
ture. The  ridges  consist  of  the  centers  of  outcropping  sheets  of  lava,  while 
the  valleys  between  are  mostly  cut  in  the  inter-bedded  elastics  as  in  the 
Porcupine  Mountains.  The  dip  of  the  rocks,  is  however,  toward  the  Michi- 
gan shore,  and  the  escarpments  are  thus  on  the  north  instead  of  the  south 
side  of  the  ranges.  These  escarpments  are  not  precipitous  in  the  southern 
part  of  the  island.  There  is  abundant  evidence  that  the  entire  island  was 
overridden  by  the  ice  sheets  of  the  glacial  epoch  and  that  after  the  final 
retreat  of  the  glacier  it  was  entirely  submerged  beneath  the  Pleistocene 
Lakes  (Lane,  '98,  pp.  183  and  184).  It  has  not  since  that  time  been 
connected  with  the  mainland,  a  fact  to  which  many  of  the  peculiarities  of 
its  biota  are  probably  due. 

2.    LOCATION   OF   FIELD    STATIONS.       (FIG.  21). 

Only  the  southwestern  end  of  the  island  was  examined.  Stations  were 
established  as  follows : 

Station  I.  Clearing  on  the  Shore  of  Washington  Harbor,  Section  29, 
T.  64  N.,  R.  38  W. 

Station  II.     Washington  River,  Section  29,  T.  64  N.,  R.  38  W. 

Station  III.  Trail  along  the  Top  of  Greenstone  Range,  T.  64  N.,  R. 
38  W. 

Station  IV.     Washington  Creek,  Sections  28  and  32,  T.  64  N.,  R.  38  W. 

Station  V.     Tamarack  Swamp,  Section  20,  T.  64  N.,  R.  38  W. 

Station  VI.  North  Slope  of  Greenstone  Range,  Section  32,  T.  64  N., 
R.  38  W. 

Station  VII.     Lake  Desor,  T.  64  N.,  R.  32  W. 

Station  VIII.     West  End  of  Siskowit  Bay,  T.  64  N.,  R.  32  W. 

Station  IX.  Southwestern  End  of  Minong  Trap  Range,  Section  30, 
T.  64  N.,  R.  39  W. 

Station  X.     Washington  Harbor,  T.  64  N.,  R.  38  W. 

3.      THE   BIOTA    CONSIDERED    BY   STATIONS. 

Station  I.  Clearing  on  the  Shore  of  Washington  Harbor.  This  station 
will  not  be  discussed  as  it  is  an  artificial  clearing  into  which  cultivated  species 


FIG.  15.  Large  rock  ledge  on  the  face  of  the  cliff  shown  in  Figure  14,  illustrating  the  character  of 
the  vegetation  on  a  cliff  that  is  broken  by  ledges. 


FIG    16.    Talus  slope,  station  III.  5, 'showing  the  nature  of    the  talus.       The  influence  of  the 
unstable  character  of  the  slope  upon  the  vegetation  is  indicated  by  the  fallen  pines. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  49 

have  been  introduced,  and  which  is  kept  open,  so  that  only  in  a  few  places 
can  the  succession  of  forms  be  observed  that  would  occur  if  the  clearing 
was  left  undisturbed.  There  is  evidence,  however,  in  several  places,  that 
the  pioneer  forms  are  the  Quaking  and  Large-toothed  Aspens,  and  the  Paper 
and  Yellow  Birch.  The  animals  taken  here  weie  probably  all  forms  from 
adjacent  habitats  (see  annotated  lists). 

Station  II.  Washington  River.  This  river  is  a  sluggish  meandering 
stream  flowing  through  a  broad  flat  valley  between  the  Greenstone  and 
Minong  Trap  Ranges,  and  emptying  into  the  head  of  Washington  Harbor. 
The  aquatic  vegetation  is  very  poor.  In  the  quiet  water  near  the  mouth 
of  the  river,  Myriophyllum  sp.  forms  the  principal  vegetation  with  Sphar- 
ganium  eurycarpum,  and  Phragmites  communis  in  the  shallow  water  near 
shore.  These  forms  are  replaced  on  the  mud  flats  by  a  zone  of  sedges  and 
herbaceous  forms,  among  the  conspicuous  forms  of  which  are  Carex  tri- 
buloidea,  retrorsa,  intumescens  and  trisperma,  Juncus  effusus,  Joe  Pye  Weed, 
Esclepias  incarnata,  and  Spiraea  salici folia.  This  society  is  not  extensive 
but  soon  grades  into  the  dense  thickets  of  Hoary  Alder  (Alnus  incana)  that 
are  characteristic  of  the  flood  plains  in  this  region.  The  undergrowth  in 
these  thickets  is  limited  to  a  few  forms  such  as  Caltha  palustris,  Skunk 
Cabbage,  Vagnera  trifolia,  and  several  species  of  ferns  and  violets.  Where 
the  flood-plain  is  broad,  as  toward  the  mouth  of  the  river,  the  alder  thickets 
are  followed  by  a  society  of  White  and  Black  Spruce,  Tamarack,  White 
and  Yellow  Birch,  and  Black  Ash,  with  an  undergrowth  of  Taxus  canadensis, 
Mountain  Maple,  Andromeda  polyfolia,  Mitella  nuda,  Dwarf  Dogwood, 
Coptis  trifolia,  Chiogenes  hispidula,  Ledum  groenlandicum,  V actinium  cana- 
densis, and  Viburnum  opulus,  on  a  thick  carpet  of  moss.  As  the  valley 
narrows  toward  the  head  of  the  river,  this  zone  gradually  disappears. 

As  in  the  case  of  the  flora,  the  aquatic  fauna  is  limited  both  in  individuals 
and  species.  The  birds  are  represented  by  the  Pied  Billed  Grebe,  American 
Coot  and  American  Merganser;  the  molluscs  by  Planorbis  exacuous  and 
Physa  sp.  among  the  leaves  of  aquatic  plants,  and  Pisidium  variabile  and 
Pisidium  spp.  on  the  mud  bottom.  Among  the  alders  are  found  the  sparrows, 
warblers  and  thrushes;  the  toad,  Bufo  americanus;  the  garter  snakes,  Tham- 
nophis  sirtalis  sirtalis,  and  T.  sirtalis  parietalis,  and  the  molluscs,  Carychium 
exile,  Pisidium  abditum,  Apecta  hypnorum,  Pyramidula  striatella,  Zonitoides 
arbor ea  and  exigua,  Vitrea  binneyana  and  Agriolimax  campestris.  In  the 
tamarack  and  spruce  forest,  the  birds  are  not  so  numerous,  and  the  sparrows, 
thrushes  and  warblers  tend  to  be  replaced  by  the  Arctic  Three-toed,  Downy 
and  Hairy  Woodpeckers,  the  Crossbills  and  the  Sharp-shinned  and  Sparrow 
Hawks.  Among  the  molluscs,  Pisidium  abditum,  Apecta  hypnorum  and 
Carychium  exile  also  seem  to  drop  out  in  this  zone,  but  Pyramidula  stria- 
tella, Vitrea  binneyana,  Zonitoides  arborea  and  exigua  were  found  associated 
with  Euconulus  fulvus  and  E.  cher sinus  polygyratus,  Sphyradium  edentulum, 
Acanthinula  harpa  and  Pyramidula  striatella  alba.  Here  also  the  grasshopper, 
Tettix  acadicus,  and  the  spider,  Amaurobius  bennetti,  are  occasionally  found 
in  the  moss. 

Station  VI.  North  Slope  of  Greenstone  Range.  On  account  of  the 
intermediate  relation  which  it  bears  to  the  flood-plain  of  Washington  river, 
Station  II,  and  the  top  of  the  Greenstone  Ridge,  Station  III,  this  station 
will  be  considered  here.  The  Tamarack  and  Black  Spruce  are  replaced 
on  the  sides  of  the  valley  by  a  forest  composed  principally  of  the  Balsam 
Fir,  White  Spruce,  Paper  and  Yellow  Birch,  and  large  isolated  White  Pines. 
The  undergrowth  consists  principally  of  the  Ground  Hemlock  associated 
7 


50  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

•with  the  Beaked  Hazel  and  Mountain  Maple,  forming  dense  thickets  that 
are  almost  impenetrable,  and  in  exposed  situations,  particularly  about  the 
shores  of  the  island,  with  the  Mountain  Ash.  Less  conspicuous  forms  in 
the  undergrowth  are  the  Twin  Flower,  Rattle  Snake  Plantain,  Dwarf  Cornel, 
Mitella  nuda,  Coptis  trifolia,  Clintonia  borealis,  Lycopodium  annotinum 
and  clavatum,  and  Chiogenes  hispidula.  The  birds  are  represented  chiefly 
by  the  Nuthatch,  Brown  Creeper,  and  the  Downy,  Hairy,  Arctic  Three-toed 
and  Pileated  Woodpeckers;  the  molluscs  by  Pyramidula  striatella,  Zonitoides 
arborea,  and  Vitrea  binneyana;  the  reptiles  by  Storeria  occipitomaculata; 
the  amphibians  by  the  common  toad,  Bufo  americanus,  and  the  mammals 
by  the  Canada  Lynx,  Hudson  Bay  Red  Squirrel,  Canadian  White-footed 
Mouse  and  Hudson  Bay  Varying  Hare. 

Station  HI.  Top  of  Greenstone  Range.  Toward  the  top  of  the  slope  the 
White  Spruce  decreases  in  abundance  and  the  Balsam  Fir  and  Birches  become 
associated  on  the  top  of  the  ridge  with  a  large  predominance  of  Sugar  Maple. 
This  forest  extends  as  a  narrow  strip  along  the  top  of  the  ridge  and  contains 
the  only  Sugar  Maples  observed  on  the  island.  The  undergrowth  is  essen- 
tially the  same  as  in  the  Balsam  Fir  and  Spruce  forest  of  the  slopes,  and  the 
only  difference  in  the  fauna  is  the  greater  development  of  molluscs;  the 
forms  collected  are  Pyramidula  striatella,  P.  striatella  alba  and  alternata,  Zoni- 
toides arborea,  exigua  and  milium,  Vitrea  binneyana,  Euconulus  fulvus 
and  E.  chersinus  polygyratus,  and  Sphyradium  edentulum  among  the  fallen 
leaves,  and  Vertigo  gouldii,  Punctum  pygmaeum,  Carychium  exile  and  Vitrina 
limpida  in  the  damp  humus  in  the  small  ravines.  Other  forms  that  may 
be  listed  here,  although  they  also  occur  in  the  Balsam  Fir  and  Spruce  forest, 
are  Storer's  Snake  (Storeria  occipitomaculata),  the  garter  snakes,  Thamnophis 
sirtalis  sirtalis  and  T.  sirtalis  parietalis,  and  the  grasshoppers,  Tettix  acadicus 
and  Ceuthophilus  seclusus. 

Station  IV.  Washington  Creek.  The  conditions  represented  here  are 
similar  to  those  which  prevail  on  the  head  waters  of  the  rivers  and  along 
the  small  streams.  Where  the  valley  is  narrow  (near  the  mouth,  Section 
32)  the  forms  of  the  slope  forest  extend  nearly  to  the  waters  edge,  being 
separated  from  it  by  a  narrow  zone  of  Hoary  Alder,  Equisetum  arvense, 
Caltha  palustris,  Vagnera  trifolia,  Rhamnus  alnifolia  and  various  grasses 
and  sedges.  Up  stream,  Section  28,  the  valley  is  wider,  and  the  coniferous 
forest  of  the  slope  is  separated  from  the  stream  by  a  considerable  develop- 
ment of  bog  forms.  The  arboreal  vegetation  consists  of  the  Arbor  Yitae, 
Tamarack  and  Black  Spruce,  with  an  undergrowrth  of  Coptis  trifolia,  Chiogenes 
hispidula,  Linnaea  borealis,  Lycopodium  clavatum  and  obscurum,  and  a  thick 
carpet  of  Sphagnum  and  other  mosses.  • 

There  is  practically  no  aquatic  flora,  and  the  only  aquatic  animals  found 
were  Pisidium,  too  young  to  identify. 

The  molluscs  collected  in  the  bog  society  are  'Pyramidula  striatella,  Zoni- 
toides arborea  and  exigua,  Vitrea  binneyana,  Acanthinula  harpa,  Vertigo 
gouldii,  Agriolimax  campestris  and  Pallifera  hemphilli. 

Station  V.  Tamarack  Swamp.  On  Section  20,  T.  64  N.,  R.  38  W.,  in 
the  valley  of  the  small  stream  draining  into  Huginnins  Cove,  the  bog  society 
attains  a  considerable  development.  The  Tamarack  is  the  principal  tree 
and  is  associated  with  the  Balsam  Fir,  Black  Spruce  and  Black  Ash.  The 
undergrowth  consists  of  the  Dwarf  Dogwood,  Chiogenes  hispidula  and  Coptis 
trifolia  on  a  thick  mat  of  Sphagnum  and  other  mosses.  The  molluscs  found 
here  are  Zonitoides  exigua,  Z.  arborea  and  milium,  Vitrea  binneyana,  Euconulus 
fulvus,  Vertigo  gouldii,  Pyramidula  striatella  and  Euconulus  chersinus  poly- 


ECOLOGY    OP    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  51 

gyratus.  A  conspicuous  feature  of  the  bogs  in  this  region  is  the  lack  of  un- 
dergrowth. As  may  be  seen  from  the  list  of  species,  the  forms  that  com- 
pose the  undergrowth  consist  only  of  a  few  herbaceous  forms,  which  is 
in  striking  contrast  to  the  density  of  the  undergrowth  in  the  surrounding 
forest. 

Station  VII.  Lake  Desor.  This  lake  lies  between  the  Greenstone  and 
Minong  Trap  Ranges.  Its  shores  are  for  the  most  part  shelving  and  covered 
with  a  fine  silt-like  deposit.  The  islands,  however,  have  uniformly  rocky 
shores.  The  coniferous  forest  of  the  slopes  comes  down  to  the  margin  of 
the  lake  where  it  grades  into  a  narrow  zone  of  Hoary  Alder,  Viburnum 
opulus  and  Arbor  Vitae  that  lines  the  shores.  The  aquatic  flora  and  fauna  is 
very  poor.  The  marginal  forms  consist  of  the  plants,  Equisetum  sp.,  Phragmites 
communis,  Sparganium  eurycarpum,  and  occasionally  the  White  Water  Lily 
(Castalia  odorata);  the  frog,  Rana  sylvatica  cantabrigensis,  and  the  molluscs, 
Planorbis  bicarinatus  striatus,  and  Anodonta  marginata.  On  the  rocky 
shores  of  the  islands,  the  vegetation  consists  of  a  scattered  growth  of 
Isoetes  sp.  and  Phragmites  communis  in  the  water  among  the  rocks,  and 
Equisetum  arvense  on  the.  rocks  in  exposed  places.  The  animals  collected 
here  are  the  leeches,  Haemopis  grandis  Verrill  and  Nephelopsis  obscura 
Verrill,  a  number  of  caddis  fly  larvae,  and  the  molluscs,  Planorbis  hirsutus, 
P.  exacuous  and  parvus,  and  Physa  sp. 

Station  VIII.  Siskowit  Bay.  The  only  part  of  Siskowit  Bay  worked 
was  the  west  end  in  T.  64  N.,  R.  32  W.  The  shore  at  this  point  consists  of 
outcropping  strata  of  conglomerate  that  dip  under  the  bay,  and  are  often 
broken  up  into  shingle  beaches.  Owing  to  the  grinding  of  the  waves,  there 
is  practically  no  aquatic  life,  although  a  small,  Physa  is  sometimes  found 
on  the  larger  rocks.  In  the  pools  that  occur  occasionally  along  this  beach 
behind  the  outcropping  strata,  the  conditions  are  more  favorable.  Small 
mats  of  Algae  may  occur  on  the  rocks  and  there  is  a  limited  fauna  of  which 
caddis  fly  larvae,  and  molluscs,  Physa  sp.  and  Valvata  sincera  levrisii,  are 
the  principal  forms.  The  beach  flora  is  also  very  limited,  consisting  chiefly 
of  Juneberry,  Phegopteris  polypodiales,  Euthamia  graminifolia,  Campanu- 
laria  rotundifolia  and  Listera  convallariodes  that  occur  in  the  rock  crevices 
and  scattered  over  the  shingle  beach. 

Station  IX.  Southwestern  End  of  Minong  Trap  Range.  As  may  be  seen 
on  the  map,  the  Minong  Trap  Range  on  Section  30,  T.  64  N.,  R.  39  W.  pro- 
jects into  Lake  Superior,  becoming  deeply  submerged  several  hundred  yards 
fromthe  mainland.  It  is  also  sloping  on  the  south  side,  owing  to  the  dip  of  the 
strata,  but  on  the  north  side  it  is  precipitous.  Near  the  outer  end  of  the 
ridge,  there  are  a  number  of  rock  pools  in  the  angular  spaces  formed  by  the 
removal  of  portions  of  the  rock  between  the  joint  planes.  These  are  very 
similar  in  form  and  probably  in  origin  to  the  beach  pools  in  the  Porcupine 
Mountains.  The  flora  of  these  pools  is  very  limited,  but  a  number  of  animal 
forms  are  found  such  as  the  molluscs,  Limnaea  sumassi  and  Planorbis  parvus, 
the  water  strider,  Gerris  remigis,  and  caddis-fly  larvae.  The  flora  on  the  outer 
end  of  the  ridge  consists  of  scattered  patches  of  Parmelia  conspersa,  and  a 
crevice  vegetation  of  Sibbaldiopsis  tridentata  and  Dasiphora  fruticosa  Cam- 
panularia  rotundifolia,  Solidago  sp.,  Arbor  Vitae  and  several  grasses. 

Toward  shore  a  thin  soil  covers  the  rock  and  supports  a  flora  of  Reindeer 
Lichen  (Cladonia  rangifefina) ,  and  the  heaths,  Bearberry,  Dwarf  Blue- 
berry- and  New  Jersey  Tea  that  are  often  found  growing  on  the  remains 
of  lichen  mats.  Here  also  are  found  Empetrum  nigrum,  and  Lycopodium 
annotinum,  clavatum  and  complanatum.  The  first  tree  is  the  Arbor  Vitae 


52  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

that  grows  nearly  prostrate  on  the  rock,  associated  with  Juniperus  nana, 
Mountain  Ash,  White  Pine,  and  Quaking  Aspen.  Near  the  shore  the  White 
Spruce,  Balsam  Fir  and  Paper  Birch  come  informing  the  forest  of  the  region. 
The  succession  on  these  points  is  evidently  represented  by  four  stages,  the 
lichen-moss,  grass-sedge,  heath,  and  coniferous  societies.  The  history  of 
the  pools  is  somewhat  different.  There  is  evidence  that  these  are  being 
rilled  in  places  by  Sphagnum  and  other  mosses,  and  on  this  moss  such 
bog  forms  as  Ledum  groenlandicum,  Cassandra,  Black  Spruce  and  Tamarack 
are  occasionally  found.  These  forms  must,  however,  in  time  be  succeeded 
by  the  forms  of  the  upland  forest. 

In  listing  the  fauna  of  the  outer  end  of  the  ridge,  the  Herring  Gull  should 
be  mentioned  as  one  of  the  most  characteristic  forms,  for  hundreds  of  in- 
dividuals were  often  observed  on  this  ridge  during  the  summer.  As  in  the 
Porcupine  Mountains,  a  number  of  molluscs  push  out  in  advance  of  the 
forest  on  the  heath  mat.  In  the  dry  soil  among  the  roots  of  these  plants 
was  found,  Pyramidula  striatella,  Zonitoides  exigua,  Vitrea  binneyana  and 
Acanthinula  harpa. 

Station  X.  Washington  Harbor.  As  may  be  seen  from  the  map,  Wash- 
ington Harbor  is  a  long  narrow  bay  lying  between  the  Minong  Trap  and 
Greenstone  Ranges,  on  the  southwest  end  of  the  island.  It  attains  a  depth 
of  6  to  9  fathoms  and  has  a  rocky  bottom  that  rises  nearly  to  the  surface 
in  places  as  reefs. 

The  fauna  of  the  deeper  waters,  as  represented  by  the  collections,  consists 
of  the  Lake  and  Brook  Trout,  Herring,  Sucker,  Muskallunge,  Yellow  Perch 
and  Couesius  plumbeus.  Among  the  rocks  near  shore  the  Millers  Thumb 
(Coitus  ictalops)  is  found,  and  the  molluscs,  Limnaea  stagnalis  var., 
Limnaea  summassi,  Physa  sayii,  Physa  sp.  and  Planorbis  exacuous.  Of 
these  forms  the  two  Limnaeas  were  the  most  characteristic  and  were  par- 
ticularly abundant  on  the  northeast  end  of  the  harbor. 


4.       SUMMARY   AND    CONCLUSIONS. 

On  account  of  the  preliminary  nature  of  the  work  done  on  Isle  Roy  ale, 
but  few  conclusions  will  be  drawn.  It  will  be  seen  at  once,  however,  that 
while  the  biota  of  the  Porcupine  Mountains  possess  many  southern  forms,  the 
Isle  Roy  ale  societies  are  characteristically  boreal,  the  bog  forms  are  less  re- 
stricted, the  sedge,  cassandra,  shrub  and  coniferous  societies  are  better  rep- 
resented on  the  river  flood-plains,  and  many  of  the  forms  of  the  coniferous 
society  occur  in  the  climax  forest.  This  makes  the  climax  forest  society  of 
Isle  Royale,  of  the  northeastern  North  American  type.  The  bog  forms  are 
thus  boreal  types  having  the  same  affinities,  and  their  spreading  out  in  this 
region  from  the  restricted  habitats  which  they  occupy  to  the  south  may  be  ac- 
counted for  by  the  fact  that  the  environmental  conditions  with  which  they  are 
associated,  toward  the  north  tend  to  become  of  general  or  of  geographic  ex- 
tent, so  that  these  forms  ultimately  come  to  form  the  climax  society.  Thus 
several  forms  that  about  Ann  Arbor  have  been  recorded  only  from  tamarack 
swamps,  such  as  the  snails,  Philomycus  dorsalis,  and  Pallifera  hemphilli  (col- 
lected by  Miss  Jean  Dawson),  and  the  Varying  Hare,  Star-nosed  Mole,  and  Red 
Backed  Mouse,  are  all  boreal  species  (Bailey,  ;96),  that  toward  the 
north  tend  to  become  of  general  distribution. 

It  will  be  noticed  in  the  annotated  lists,  however,  that  while  most  of  the 
species  have  northeastern  affinities,  a  number  of  forms  collected  on  Isle 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  53 

Royale   are  forms  of  western  and  northwestern  distribution.     There  are 
conspicuous  examples  of  this: 

1.  The  snail  listed  as  Limnaea  sumassi  Bd.,  according  to  Mr.   Bryant 
Walker,  although  probably  entitled  to  rank  as  a  distinct  variety  or  species, 
is  very  closely  related  to  L.  summassi  Bd.  a  peculiarly  western  form  originally 
described  from  British  Columbia. 

2.  The  range  of  the   ant,   Camponotus  herculeanus   L.   var.    Whymperi 
Forel,  according  to  Dr.  Wheeler,  is  not  well  known,  but  it  has  been  previously 
found  in  the  mountains  of  Colorado  and  Britsh  Columbia. 

3.  The  specimens  of  the  Garter  Snake,  Thamnophis  sirtalis  parietalis, 
taken  on  the  island  strikingly  resemble  in  coloration  western  forms  from 
Washington  and  Colorado,  and  not  those  of  southern  Michigan,  that  are 
sometimes  referred  to  this  variety. 

4.  Although  not  found  on  the  island,  the  Michigan  Grayling,  Thymallus 
ontariensis,  may  also  be  mentioned  in  this  connection.     According  to  Jordan 
and  Evermann  ('96,  p.  518),  this  variety  "represents  a  detached  colony 
left  from  the  post  glacial  extension  of  the  range  of  T.  signifer,  of  which  it 
was  a  variety."     The  range  of  T.  signifer  is  given  as  "Mackenzie  River 
to  Alaska  and  the  Artie  Ocean." 

5.  Another  instance  of  the  same  nature  was  the  finding  of  the  Devils  Club, 
Echinopanax  horridus  Decsene,  by  Wheeler  ('01,  p.  620)  on  the  north  end 
of  the  island  in  1900.     The  range  of  this  plant,  as  given  by  Macoun  ('83, 
p.  189),   is    the   north   coast   of  America   and  in  Alaska;  being  abundant 
west,  but  extremely  rare  east  of  the  Rocky  mountains. 

The  occurrence  of  thes'e  western  and  northwestern  elements  in  the  biota 
of  Isle  Royale  is  emphasized  because,  as  was  said  before,  the  majority 
of  the  species  are  those  of  the  northeastern  North  American  type.  What- 
ever may  be  the  explanation  of  the  occurrence  of  these  western  and  north- 
western forms  this  far  to  the  east,  an  important  factor  is,  no  doubt,  the 
peneplain  nature  of  the  country,  which  probably  formed  an  extensive 
highway  for  boreal  forms  along  the  ice  margin  during  the  retreat  of  the 
last  ice  sheet. 


PART  III.     REFERENCES. 

Adams,  Chas.  C. 

1902.     Postglacial   Origin   and   Migration   of   the   Life   of   Northeastern 

North  America.     Jour.  Geog.,  I,  No.  8  and  9. 
1905.     The  Postglacial  Dispersal  of  the  North  American  Biota.     Biol. 

Bull.,  IX,  No.  1,  pp.  53-71. 
Bailey,  Vernon. 

1896.     Tamarack  Swamps  as  Boreal  Islands.    Science,  N.  S.,  Ill,  No.  59, 

pp.  250-251. 
Cowles,  H.  C, 

1899.     The  Ecological  Relations  of  the  Vegetation  on  the  Sand  Dunes 

of  Lake  Michigan.     Bot.  Gaz.,  XXVII,  Nos.  2,  3,  4  and  5. 
1901.     The  Influence  of  Underlying  Rocks  on  the  Character  of  the  Vege-\ 

tation.     Bull.  Am.  Bureau  Geog.,  II,  June  and  December. 
1901.     The  Plant  Societies  of  Chicago  and  Vicinity.     Bull.   Geog.   Soc. 

of  Chicago,  No.  2. 


54  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

Davis,  W.  M. 

1889.   The  Rivers  and  Valleys  of  Pennsylvania.     Nat.   Geog.   Mag.,   I, 

No.  3,  pp.  183-253. 
Foster  and  Whitney. 

1849-50.     Geology  and  Topography  of  a  Portion  of  the  Lake  Superior 
Land  District  in  the  State  of  Michigan.     Ex.  Doc.,  1st  Sess., 
31st  Cong.,  IX. 
Gilbert,  G.  K. 

1897.  Recent  Earth  Movements  in  the  Great  Lakes  Region.     18th  Ann. 

Rept.  U.  S.  G.  S.,  II,  pp.  601-647. 
Harvey,  L.  H. 

1903.  A  Study   of  the    Physiographic  Ecology  of  Mt.   Ktaadn,  Maine. 

The  Univ.  of  Maine  Studies,  No.  5. 
Hershey,  O.  H. 

1901.    Peneplains  of  the  Ozark  Highlands.     Am.  Geol.,  Jan.,  1901,  pp. 

21-37. 
>-  Irving,  R.  D. 

1893.  The  Copper  Bearing  Rocks  of  Lake  Superior.     U.  S.  G.  S.,  Monog., 

No.  5. 
Jordan  and  Evermann. 

1896.    The  Fishes  of  North  and  Middle  America.     Bull.  U.  S.  N.  M., 

No.  47,  Pt.  1. 
__  Lane,  Alfred  C. 

1898.  Geological  Report  on  Isle  Royale,  Michigan.     Geol.  Surv.  of  Mich. 

VI,  Part  1. 
Macoun,  John. 

1883.    Catalogue  of  Canadian  Plants.     Pt.  I,  Geol.  and  Nat.  Hist.  Surv. 

of  Canada. 
Mill,  H.  R. 

1905.    The  Present  Problems  of  Geography.     Geog.  Jour.,  XXV,  No.  1, 

pp.  1-17. 
Marbut,  C.  F. 

1896.    Physical   Features   of   Missouri.     Rep.   Mo.    Geol.   Surv.,   X,   pp. 

13-109. 
Ruthven,  A.  G. 

1904.  Notes  of  the  Molluscs,  Reptiles  and  Amphibians  of  Ontonagon 

County,  Michigan.     Sixth  Ann.  Rep.  Mich.  Acad.  Science,  1904, 
pp.  188-192. 
Taylor,  F.  B. 

1905.  A  Short  History  of  the  Great  Lakes.     Studies  in  Indiana  Geog. 

(Dryer),  pp.  90-111.     Terra  Haute,  Ind. 
Transeau,  E.  N. 

1903.    On   the   Geographical   Distribution   and  Ecological   Relations   of 

the  Bog  Plant  Societies  of  Northern  North  America.     Bot.  Gaz., 

XXXVI,  pp.  401-420. 
Upham,  Warren. 

1894.  Tertiary   and   Quaternary   Baseleveling   in   Minnesota,    Manitoba 

and  Northwestward.     Am.  Geol.,  XIV,  No.  4,  pp.  235-246. 
Van  Hise,  C.  R. 

1894-95.  Principles  of  North  American  Pre-Cambrian  Geology.     16th  Ann. 

Rep.,  U.  S.  G.  S.,  Pt.  I,  pp.  571-843. 
1896.    A   Northern  Michigan  Baselevel.     Science,   New  Series,   IV,   pp. 

217-220. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  55 

1904.    A  Treatise  on  Metamorphism.      U.  S.  G.  S.,  Monograph  XLVII. 
Weidman,  S. 

1903.    The  Pre-Potsdam  Peneplain  of  the  Pre-Cambrian  of  North  Central 

Wisconsin.     Jour,  of  Geol.,  XI,  No.  4,  pp.  289-313. 
Wheeler,  W.  A. 

1901.    Notes  on  some  Plants  of  Isle  Royale.     Minn.  Bot.   Studies,  II, 

No.  XXXV,  pp.  619-620. 
Whitford,  H.  N. 

1901.    The  Genetic  Development  of  the  Forests  of  Northern  Michigan;   ^ 
A  Study  in  Physiographic  Ecology.     Bot.  Gaz.,  XXXI,  No.  5, 


pp.  289-325. 

L.    W 


Wilson,  A.  W.  G. 

1903.    The  Laurentian  Peneplain.     Jour,  of  Geol.,  XI,  No.  7,  pp.  615-669. 
Woodworth,  J.  B. 

1894.    The  Relation  between  Baseleveling  and  Organic  Evolution.     Am. 

Geol.,  XIV,  No.  4,  pp.  209-235. 
Wright,  F.  E. 

1905.  Report  on  the  Progress  made  by  the  Porcupine  Mountain  Party 
During  the  Summer  of  1903.  Ann.  Rept.  Geol.  Surv.  of  Mich, 
for  1903,  pp.  35-44. 


56  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 


THE  ECOLOGICAL  DISTRIBUTION  OF  THE  BIRDS  IN  THE  PORCU- 
PINE MOUNTAINS,  MICHIGAN. 


OTTO    MCCREARY. 

The  country  in  which  these  observations  were  made  is  largely  included 
writhin  a  narrow  area  about  a  mile  wide  which  runs  from  Lake  Superior 
almost  directly  south,  crossing  Carp  river  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  east 
of  Carp  Lake.  Few  observations  were  made  south  of  the  Carp  river  valley. 

On  account  of  differences  observed  in  the  environments  of  the  bird  life 
of  this  region,  it  will  be  discussed  according  to  the  following  habitats: 

I.      THE  LAKE  SUPERIOR  SLOPE  OF  THE  FIRST  MOUNTAIN  RIDGE. 

1.  Lake  Superior  )  Q,    ,•        T 

2.  Lake  Beach...  [ Statlon    L 

3.  Cedar  Swamp Station  II.  Sub.  1. 

4.  Hemlock  Forest Station  II.  Sub.  2. 

5.  Hardwood  Forest Station  II.  Sub.  2. 

6.  Camp  Clearing Station  II.  Sub.  3  and  4. 

7.  Mountain  Top  and  Escarpment Station  III.  Sub.  1-6. 

1.     Lake  Superior  (Station  /). 

This  habitat  includes  the  open  water  of  the  lake  and  is  only  a  feeding 
place  for  the  birds,  as  it  is  impossible  for  them  to  nest  here. 

The  water  is  very  cold,  the  temperature  being  about  58°  F.  during  the  latter 
part  of  July.  The  shores  are  rocky  and  steep,  the  rocks  in  some  places 
making  an  angle  of  30°  with  the  surface  of  the  water,  and  on  this  account, 
aquatic  life,  with  the  possible  exception  of  small  algae  and  invertebrates, 
was  lacking  along  the  edge  of  the  water,  so  that  waterfowls  feeding  on 
these  would  be  expected  to  occur  here  only  occasionally,  during  the  migra- 
tion season. 

The  only  birds  observed,  were  those  of  fish  eating  habits,  such  as  mer- 
gansers, loons  and  gulls.  On  July  21  a  female  American  Merganser  'with 
nine  or  ten  young  in  the  down  was  seen  near  the  shore.  On  my  approach 
they  swam  out  into  the  lake  and  were  soon  out  of  sight  behind  some  rocks 
that  jutted  into  the  water.  Two  adult  Loons  were  seen  the  same  day,  and 
two  days  later  two  Herring  Gulls  were  observed  flying  over  the  lake.  These 
were  the  only  birds  seen  in  about  fifteen  trips  made  to  the  lake  shore  from 
July  15  to  August  13. 

2.     Lake  Beach  (Station  /). 

At  this  part  of  the  lake  shore,  the  beach  is  formed  by  the  dipping  of  the 
bed  rock  below  the  lake,  thus  making  a  barren  rocky  strip,  almost  destitute 
of  vegetation,  between  the  waters  edge  and  the  trees.  In  addition  to  the 
mosses  and  lichens  that  grew  upon  the  rocks,  the  principal  plants  that 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  57 

occurred  here  were  goldenrods    bluebells,  lobelias,  etc.  that  grow  in  the 
crevices. 

The  scarcity  of  small  invertebrates  and  plants  suitable  for  bird  food  made 
this  a  very  poor  feeding  ground.  Indeed  the  scarcity  of  bird  life  here  was 
especially  noticeable,  as  only  three  birds,  the  Spotted,  Solitary  and  Least 
Sandpipers  were  seen,  all  of  which  are  shore  birds. 

Ravens,  Crows  and  Chimney  Swifts  were  seen  flying  along  the  shore; 
the  last  was  probably  searching  for  insects  and  the  first  two  for  fish.  Although 
no  dead  fish  were  seen  along  the  shore,  no  doubt  they  are  occasionally  washed 
up,  and  these  birds  were  probably  patrolling  the  coast  in  search  of  cast  up 
refuse. 

3.     Cedar  Swamp  (Station  II.  1). 

This  station  extended  from  the  lake  beach  to  the  hemlock  forest,  a  distance 
varying  from  a  quarter  to  a  half  mile  at  different  places.  The  trees  were 
mostly  arbor  vitae,  spruce,  Canada  balsam  and  birch,  the  principal  forms 
being  the  arbor  vitae  and  balsam.  There  were  several  clearings  in  this 
substation,  and,  as  the  bird  life  was  different  at  such  places  than  in  the 
woodland,  I  shall  divide  this  station  into  two  parts,  the  Woodland  and  the 
Clearings. 

Woodland. 

In  some  places  the  woodland  has  been  partially  cleared,  but  where  no 
lumber  has  been  taken  out  the  woods  are  very  dense.  The  same  species 
of  birds,  with  one  or  two  exceptions,  were  found  in  the  dense  forest  as  in 
the  open  woodland,  only  there  were  fewer  of  them  in  the  former  forest. 
In  the  very  dense  forest  birds  of  all  species  were  few  and  far  between. 
The  birds  found  here  were  Mangolia  Warbler,  Black-throated  Blue  Warbler, 
Redstart,  Winter  Wren,  Canadian  Warbler,  Olive-backed  Thrush,  Golden- 
crowned  Kinglet,  Myrtle  Warbler,  White-throated  Sparrow,  Brown  Creeper, 
Oven  Bird,  Crow,  Hairy  Woodpecker,  Purple  Finch,  Red-eyed  Vireo,  Cedar 
Waxwing,  Chickadee,  Wood  Pewee,  Ruffed  Grouse,  Black-throated  Green 
Warbler,  Sharp-shinned  Hawk,  Pileated  WToodpecker,  Pine  Siskin,  Mourning 
Warbler,  Raven,  and  Red-breasted  Nuthatch,  and  Arctic  Three-toed  Wood- 
pecker. The  Black-throated  Blue  Warbler  is  characteristic  of  the  under- 
growth. The  Pine  Siskin  and  Purple  Finch  were  nearly  always  seen  in 
flocks  and  roamed  about  over  a  large  expanse  of  territory. 

The  Olive-backed  Thrush,  Mourning  Warbler,  Wood  Pewee  and  White- 
throated  Sparrow  were  found  in  the  open  woods. 

Clearings  in  the  Cedar  Swamp. 

There  were  several  clearings  in  this  vicinity,  most  of  them  being  near 
the  lake.  In  all  of  them  there  were  plenty  of  small  trees  and  brush,  in 
which  the  birds  found  favorable  conditions. 

The  birds  seen  in  the  clearings  were,  Black-throated  Blue  Warbler,  Winter 
Wren,  House  Wren,  Arctic  Three-toed  Woodpecker, Red-tailed  Hawk,  Sparrow 
Hawk,  White-throated  Sparrow,  Crow,  Flicker,  Purple  Finch,  Red-eyed 
Vireo,  Chickadee,  Canadian  Ruffed  Grouse,  Song  Sparrow,  Great  Horned 
Owl,  Sharp-shinned  Hawk,  Sparrow  Hawk,  Pileated  Woodpecker,  Pine 
Siskin,  American  Bittern,  Raven,  Least  Fycatcher,  Olive-sided  Flycatcher 
and  King  Bird. 

The  Bittern  was  a  straggler,  observed  once  near  the  lake  shore.  The 
Red-tailed  Hawk,  Raven  and  Pine  Siskins  were  seen  flying  overhead,  and 


58  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

the  Flickers  on  the  high  dead  stumps  in  the  clearing.  The  Purple  Finch 
came  to  the  clearing  to  feed  on  the  raspberries,  and  one  was  shot  with  part 
of  a  berry  in  its  mouth. 

Supplementary  Clearing  Observations. 

This  clearing  is  about  two  miles  west  of  the  main  line  of  observation/ 
and  one-half  mile  south  of  Lake  Superior.  The  conditions  here  wrere  decidedly 
swampy,  as  cat-tails  grew  in  the  middle  of  the  logging  road  in  many  places. 
The  arbor  vitae  had  been  cleared  away  several  years  before  and  the  second 
growth  had  become  quite  a  factor  in  the  conditions.  This  growth,  together 
with  the  underbrush  and  tree  tops,  made  traveling  outside  of  the  logging 
road  very  difficult.  Here,  among  a  young  growth  of  maple  about  five  or 
six  feet  high,  was  found  a  family  of  four  Connecticut  Warblers. 
1C  Other  birds  seen  in  this  clearing  are  as  follows:  Blue-headed  Vireo,  Red- 
breasted  Nuthatch,  Black-throated  Blue  Warbler,  Pileated  Woodpecker 
and  White-throated  Sparrow. 

4.     Hemlock  Forest  (Station  II.  2}. 

This  habitat  may  be  called  the  hemlock  belt  because  the  majority  of 
the  trees  were  of  this  species.  The  lower  part  of  this  station,  at  the  edge 
of  the  cedars,  was  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  hemlock,  while  farther 
up  the  side  of  the  mountain  the  proportion  of  maples  increased  until  finally 
the  hemlocks  were  nearly  all  replaced  by  maples.  In  the  dense  hemlock 
forest  there  was  very  little  underbrush,  but  where  there  were  many  maples 
there  was  always  a  thick  underbrush  of  young  maples  and  some  basswood. 

The  birds  of  this  Station  were:  Pine  Siskin,  Red-eyed  Vireo,  Cedar  Wax- 
wing,  Purple  Finch,  Black-throated  Blue  Warbler,  Chickadee,  Hairy  Wood- 
pecker, Golden-crowned  Kinglet,  Brown  Creeper,  Blackburnian  Warbler, 
Black-throated  Green  Warbler,  Winter  Wren,  White-throated  Sparrow, 
Oven  Bird,  Wilson's  Thrush,  Ruffed  Grouse,  Olive-backed  Thrush,  Raven, 
Pileated  Woodpecker,  Broad-winged  Hawk. 

Here,  as  in  the  cedars,  different  species  of  birds  frequented  certain  places. 
The  Pine  Siskins,  Purple  Finches  and  Golden-crowned  Kinglets  were  nearly 
always  seen  in  the  hemlocks.  The  Winter  Wrens  were  observed  mostly 
along  streams  and  in  damp  places.  The  Black-throated  Blue  Warbler  was 
found  quite  commonly  in  the  underbrush,  but  where  the  dense  shade  prevented 
an  undergrowth,  none  were  observed.  The  Olive-backed  Thrush  and  White- 
throated  Sparrow  were  always  found  in  the  open  woodland. 

Supplementary  Clearing  Observations. 

This  was  a  clearing  in  the  hemlock  forest  about  two  miles  west  of  the 
main  line  of  observation  and  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  south  of  Lake  Superior. 

The  birds  seen  in  this  clearing  were  the  Purple  Finch,  Olive-sided  Flycatcher, 
Least  Flycatcher,  White-throated  Sparrow,  Song  Sparrow  and  Ruffed  Grouse. 
The  Olive-sided  Flycatchers  were  seen  sitting  on  high  dead  stubs  making 
themselves  conspicious  by  their  noise. 

5.     Hardwood  Forest  (Station  II.  2}. 

This  habitat  extended  from  the  hemlock  belt  through  the  maples  to  the 
aspens  about  the  natural  clearing  at  the  top  of  the  cliff.  This  may  be  called 
the  hardwood  belt  because  the  trees  were  mostly  maple  with  a  few  scattered 
hemlocks,  basswood,  balsam,  and  birch.  In  these  woods  there  was  a  very 
thick  undergrowth  composed  mostly  of  young  maples. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  59 

The  birds  observed  in  this  habitat  are :  Black-throated  Blue  Warbler, 
Oven  Bird,  Black-billed  Cuckoo,  Cedar  Wax  wing,  Red-tailed  Hawk,  Flicker, 
Wilson's  Thrush,  Red-eyed  Vireo,  Black-throated  Green  Warbler,  Black- 
burnian  Warbler,  Brown  Creeper,  Chickadee,  Pileated  Woodpecker,  Ruffed 
Grouse  and  Olive-backed  Thrush.  An  Oven  Bird's  nest  containing  two 
eggs  and  one  young  was  found  along  the  path  up  the  mountain  on  July  16. 
It  was  made  of  coarse  grass  and  leaves,  and  was  placed  on  the  ground.  The 
Olive-backed  Thrush,  Black-billed  Cuckoo,  and  Flicker  were  seen  near  the 
camp,  where  the  woods  were  more  open. 

6.     Camp  Clearing  (Station  II.  3-4}. 

This  was  the  clearing  around  the  camp.  It  was  not  more  than  two  acres 
in  extent  and  wras  surrounded  by  a  zone  of  aspens,  except  on  the  north 
where  the  trees  were  mostly  maple.  It  was  situated  at  the  crest  of  a  low 
mountain  pass,  a  little  more  than  750  feet  above  the  level  of  Lake  Superior. 
It  was  bounded  on  the  north  by  Station  II.  2,  and  on  the  east  by  II.  2,  and 
III.  1;  on  the  south  by  IV.  3,  and  on  the  west  by  II.  2,  and  III.  5;  It  con- 
tained many  tall  weeds,  bushes,  and  several  trees,  principally  aspen. 

The  birds  found  on  this  station  were:  Purple  Finch,  Mourning  Warbler, 
Blackburnian  Warbler,  Red-eyed  Vireo,  Black-billed  Cuckoo,  American 
Crossbill,  Song  Sparrow,  Downy  Woodpecker,  Pine  Siskin,  Sapsucker, 
Robin,  Raven,  Sparrow  Hawk,  Indigo  Bunting,  Chimney  Swift  and  Cedar 
Waxwing.  The  Song  Sparrow,  Sapsucker  and  Indigo  Bunting  were  probably 
accidental  here,  as  only  one  of  each  was  observed.  The  Chimney  Swift  was 
often  seen  flying  overhead.  The  Purple  Finches  and  Pine  Siskins  came  to 
feed  on  bread  crumbs  and  other  refuse  from  the  camp.  A  pair  of  adult 
Mourning  Warblers  and  two  young  were  taken  among  the  bushes  in  the 
clearing,  July  15. 

7.     Mountain  Top  and  Escarpment  (Station  III.  1-6). 

From  the  top  of  the  mountain  to  the  valley  of  Carp  river,  there  is  a  pre- 
cipitous descent  of  about  400  feet.  On  top  of  the  cliff  and  back  a  few  rods 
from  the  brink  of  the  precipice,  there  are  no  trees  except  a  few  scattered 
pines.  The  chief  vegetation  consists  of  dwarf  huckle  and  blueberries, 
New  Jersey  tea,  bearberry  and  other  heath  plants.  The  cliff  is  nearly  con- 
tinuous, but  not  entirely  so,  being  broken  occasionally  by  gullies.  Surround- 
ing the  "bald"  top  of  the  cliff  is  a  zone  of  aspen  which  grades  down  into 
the  gullies,  and  down  the  north  slope  into  the  hardwoods.  At  intervals, 
where  the  slope  is  not  so  steep,  the  pines  form  a  narrow  belt  up  the  face 
of  the  cliff,  across  the  top  of  the  mountain  and  into  the  hardwoods  beyond, 
thus  surmounting  the  range. 

It  is  the  top  of  the  cliff  on  the  eastern  half  of  Section  14  and  western  half 
of  Section  13  (III.l,  2,  3)  that  will  be  described  first. 

The  western  end  of  the  station  lies  in  a  gully  in  Section  14.  As  the  top 
is  approached  the  aspens  become  smaller  and  smaller  and  finally  disappear. 
Toward  the  east  end  of  the  mountain  top,  on  Section  13,  this  "bald"  area  is 
crossed  by  a  zone  of  Norway  and  white  pines,  many  of  them  being  of  very  large 
size.  The  middle  portion  consists  of  a  precipice  and  a  narrow  strip  at  the  top. 
It  differed  from  the  west  end  in  that  it  contained  no  aspens,  and  the  pines 
were  so  far  apart  that  they  had  but  very  little  influence  upon  the  general 
conditions.  Probably  owing  to  this  reason  the  bird  life  on  the  west  end 
and  middle  portion  was  practically  identical,  and  I  will  describe  them  together, 
treating  the  bird  life  in  the  pines  separately,  as  it  is  entirely  different. 


60  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

Birds  were  always  to  be  found  along  the  western  slope  and  top  (III.  1  and  2), 
but  the  small  number  of  species  was  noticable.  The  Junco,  Cedar  Waxwing 
and  Flicker  were  the  only  birds  that  were  abundant.  The  Flicker  was  often 
seen  on  the  few  tall  dead  stumps  and  scattered  pines  that  occurred  here, 
and  probably  nested  in  these  stumps,  as  they  contained  many  holes.  Both 
young  and  adult  Juncos  were  found  in  abundance  and  this  seemed  their 
natural  habitat.  The  Cedar  Waxwing  was  attracted  here  by  the  Juneberries, 
upon  which  they  were  often  seen  feeding.  Crows,  Ravens,  Chimney  Swifts 
and  Red-tailed  Hawks  were  seen  flying  overhead.  Sparrow  Hawks  came 
occasionally  to  feed  upon  the  grasshoppers,  but  these  birds  seem  to  prefer 
the  cliffs  to  the  west  of  this  location. 

The  birds  seen  in  the  pines  (III.  3)  were  the  Pine  Warbler,  Red-breasted 
Nuthatch,  Chickadee,  Chipping  Sparrow  and  White-breasted  Nuthatch. 
Two  .Pine  Warblers,  evidently  a  male  and  female,  were  seen  on  the  tops 
of  these  pines  looking  for  insects.  Finally  one  caught  an  insect,  but  instead 
of  eating  it  the  bird  perched  on  a  limb,  held  the  insect  in  its  mouth,  and 
scolded.  It  acted  as  if  it  had  young  near  me  and  was  afraid  to  feed  them. 
Several  Chipping  Sparrows  were  seen  on  the  tree  tops  and  one  was  shot 
July  19. 

The  tops  of  the  cliffs  west  of  camp  (III.  5)  were  similar  to  III.  2,  except 
that  the  "bald"  areas  were  of  greater  extent.  The  same  birds  that  were 
found  in  III.  1  and  2  were  found  here  and  also  a  few  additional  ones. 

For  some  reason,  which  I  cannot  explain,  Robins,  Bluebirds,  Blue  Jays 
and  Vesper  Sparrows  were  often  found  on  this  cliff  and  seldom  in  Station 
II.  1  and  2.  A  Bluebird's  nest  containing  young  was  found  in  a  deserted 
Woodpecker's  hole  in  a  Norway  pine;  Vesper  Sparrows  and  a  Scarlet 
Tanager  were  seen  here  once.  The  former  were  perhaps  migrating,  (August 
3),  while  the  latter  was  from  the  neighboring  forest.  The  Ravens  came  here 
in  the  evening  and  left  in  the  morning,  when  nine  were  counted  at  one  time. 
A  few  could  be  seen  about  here  at  almost  any  hour  of  the  day. 

The  bird  life  on  the  second  cliff  west  of  camp  was  somewhat  different 
from  that  of  the  first  as  no  Robins,  Bluebirds,  or  Vesper  Sparrows  were 
seen  here,  while  a  Phoebe  was  seen  here  and  not  on  the  other  cliffs.  Two 
Bald  Eagles  were  observed  flying  overhead. 

II.       CARP    RIVER    VALLEY. 

This  region  extended  from  the  foot  of  the  talus  slope  south  to  the  elevation 
on  the  other  side  of  the  river  valley,  a  distance  of  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile. 
From  west  to  east,  it  extended  from  the  outlet  of  Carp  Lake  as  far  up  the 
Carp  river  as  we  could  ascend  in  a  boat,  a  distance  of  about  one  and  a  quarter 
miles. 

Within  this  area  are  included  several  different  varieties  of  conditions, 
and  these  furnish  the  basis  for  the  following  habitats: 

1.  Carp  Lake Station  V.  1,  and  3. 

2.  Grassy  Marshes Station  V.  2,  and  IV.  2. 

3.  Alders Station  IV.  2. 

4.  Damp  Woodland .Station  IV.  3. 

5.  Tamarack  Swamp Station  IV.  4. 

6.  Carp  River Station  IV.  1. 

7.  Dry  Woodland Station  IV.  3. 

a.  Western  End. 

b.  Eastern  End. 


FIG.  17.  Upper  portion  of  the  talus  slope,  station  III.  6,  showing  the  angle  of  slope,  and  the 
lichens  (light  colored  patches)  on  the  rocks.  The  birches  in  the  background  are  on  the  lower  part 
of  the  slope. 


FIG.  18.  General  view  of  Carp  river, valley,    looking  up   stream  and   southeast    from  station  III.  5. 
Note  the  alder  and  cassandra  vegetation  bordering  the  river,  station  IV.  2. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  61 

1.     Carp  Lake  (Station  V.  1  and  3}. 

The  lake  is  about  a  mile  long,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  wide,  and  comprised, 
in  extent,  about  one-half  of  the  station.  The  western  half  of  the  lake  ex- 
tended from  the  foot  of  the  talus  slope  to  the  foot  of  the  ridge  on  the  other 
side,  while  the  eastern  half  differed  from  it  principally  in  having  a  narrow 
strip  of  land  between  the  waters  edge  and  the  foot  of  the  talus  slope  on  the 
north  side. 

Bordering  most  of  the  lake  there  is  just  enough  beach  to  walk  on,  except 
on  the  northwest  shore  where  it  is  somewhat  wider.  On  the  southwest 
and  southeast  shores  of  the  lake,  there  are  small  grassy  marshes,  and  at 
such  places  bulrushes  and  sedges  grow  along  the  edge  of  the  water. 

On  the  south  side  arbor  vitae,  maples,  alders,  and  other  trees  grow  along 
the  edge  of  the  beach.  These  trees  were  usually  not  more  than  twenty 
feet  high  and  are  so  close  together  that  it  was  almost  impossible  to  penetrate 
them.  At  other  places  there  is  a  fringe  of  alders  along  the  beach. 

Very  few  birds  were  seen  on  the  lake;  a  Loon,  was  upon  the  water  August 
10;  Kingfishers  were  often  seen  flying  across  the  lake,  now  and  then  diving 
for  a  fish;  an  Osprey  was  observed  several  times  doing  the  same  thing,  and 
a  Great  Blue  Heron  was  twice  seen  flying  across  the  lake  and  once  in  the 
sedges.  A  Swamp  Sparrow,  a  Solitary  Sandpiper  and  Crows  were  observed 
on  the  beach. 

2.     Grassy  Marshes    (Station  V.  2,  IV.  2}. 

There  were  two  of  these  grassy  marshes.  One  at  the  east  end  of  Carp 
Lake  and  another  a  mile  and  a  quarter  up  Carp  river.  Both  were  over- 
grown with  tough  marsh  grass  and  were  too  small  to  be  of  any  special  im- 
portance as  a  bird  habitat. 

Song  Sparrows  and  Swamp  Sparrows  came  out  of  the  alders  to  feed 
but  the  only  birds  taken  characteristic  of  grassy  marshes  were  the 
Wilson's  Snipe  and  Carolina  Rail.  The  former  was  taken  in  the  marsh, 
up  the  river,  and  the  latter  in  the  marsh  at  the  east  end  of  the  lake. 

3.     Alders  (Station  IV.  2}. 

The  alders  occupied  the  bottom  land  along  either  side  of  Carp  river.  There 
are  many  willows,  dogwoods,  and  cassandra  bushes  among  the  alders,  and 
together  they  formed  a  thicket  so  dense,  that  it  was  impossible  to  see 
more  than  a  few  yards. 

The  birds  of  this  habitat  were  the  White-throated  Sparrow,  Red-eyed  Vireo, 
Black-throated  Green  Warbler,  Redstart,  Oven  Bird,  Swamp  Sparrow, 
Mourning  Warbler,  Olive-backed  Thrush,  Downy  Woodpecker,  Kingfisher, 
Sharp-shinned  Hawk,  Cedar  Waxwing,  Chestnut-sided  Warbler,  Chickadee, 
Canadian  Warbler,  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak,  Wilson's  Thrush,  Black-billed 
Cuckoo,  Alder  Flycatcher,  Song  Sparrow,  American  Bittern,  Ruffed  Grouse, 
Least  Flycatcher,  Red- winged  Blackbird,  Water  Thrush,  and  Black-throated 
Blue  Warbler. 

The  Canadian  and  Chestnut-sided  Warblers  and  Red-winged  Blackbird 
probably  did  not  breed  in  this  zone,  as  they  were  not  seen  here  until  after 
the  first  of  August. 

The  Kingfisher,  American  Bittern  and  Sharp-shinned  Hawk  were  seen 
along  the  edge  of  the  river.  Only  one  of  each  of  the  last  two  were  seen. 
The  Hawk  was  on  the  bank  eating  a  grouse  and  the  Bittern  was  standing 


62  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

on  an  alder  that  leaned  out  over  the  river.  Kingfishers  were  often  seen 
flying  up  and  down  the  river  and  would  alight  upon  the  overhanging  branches 
to  watch  for  fish. 

A  Cedar  Waxwing's  nest  was  found  in  an  alder.  This  nest  was  made 
of  mud  and  dead  grass  and  was  built  in  the  top  of  the  shrub.  The  nest 
was  found  July  28,  but  contained  no  eggs. 

Almost  all  of  the  birds  among  the  alders  appeared  quite  tame,  for  as  soon 
as  I  would  go  into  the  bushes  some  bird  would  begin  to  scold,  nearly  always 
a  White-throated  Sparrow,  and  the  rest  of  the  birds  would  come  to  see  what 
the  trouble  was  about.  Redstarts,  Mourning  Warblers,  Black-throated 
Green  Warblers,  Oven  Birds,  Red-eyed  Vireos,  Swamp  Sparrows,  Song 
Sparrows,  Wilson's  Thrushes,  Winter  Wrens,  Water  Thrushes  and  a  Rose- 
breasted  Grosbeak  came  within  a  few  feet  of  me.  Even  the  shy  Olive- 
backed  Thrush  would  come  within  a  rod  to  scold.  It  wras  very  interesting 
to  observe  the  marked  curiosity  which  they  showed. 

4.     Damp  Woodland  (Station  IV.  3). 

This  was  a  small  strip  of  maple  and  ash  between  the  alders,  and  the  maple 
forest  of  the  slopes.  The  birds  seen  here  were:  Red-eyed  Vireo,  White- 
throated  Sparrow,  Winter  Wren,  Water  Thrush,  Black  and  White  Warbler, 
and  Least  Flycatcher. 

The  trees  of  this  piece  of  woodland  were  not  very  high  but  were  so  crowded 
that  they  produced  a  dense  shade.  This  was  perhaps  the  reason  why  there 
were  so  few  birds  seen  here,  and  why  those  seen  were  near  the  margin. 

5.     Tamarack  Swamp  (Station  IV.  4)- 

About  a  half  mile  east  of  the  lake  where  the  river  turns  to  the  south, 
there  is,  on  the  west  bank,  a  tamarack  swamp.  The  trees  of  this  swamp 
are  arbor  vitae,  and  tamarack,  which  about  the  margin  of  the  swamp  grow 
much  thicker  than  in  the  center. 

The  birds  observed  were  as  follows:  Purple  Finch,  White-throated 
Sparrow,  Magnolia  Warbler,  Cedar  Waxwing,  Red-breasted  Nuthatch, 
Red  Crossbill,  White-winged  Crossbill,  Olive-sided  Flycatcher,  Pine  Siskin, 
Golden-crowned  Kinglet  and  Ruffed  Grouse.  The  two  species  of  Crossbills 
were  probably  attracted  here  by  the  seeds  of  the  tamarack  cones,  as  the 
crops  of  five  specimens  all  contained  tamarack  seeds.  The  Red-breasted 
Nuthatch  nested  here,  as  an  adult  bird  was  seen  feeding  three  young.  The 
Olive-sided  Flycatchers  were  seen  on  the  tops  of  tall  dead  trees. 

6.     Carp  River  (Station  IV.  1). 

About  a  mile  and  a  quarter  east  of  Carp  Lake,  the  river  becomes  so  narrow 
that  the  alders  which  line  the  banks  meet  above  the  middle  of  the  stream 
and  obstruct  further  passage  with  a  boat.  Where  the  alders  line  the  bank 
there  were  few  places  for  wading  birds,  but  where  there  \vere  grassy  mud 
flats  between  the  water  and  the  shrubs  Solitary  Sandpipers  were  to  be  seen 
at  almost  any  time.  The  Snipe,  however,  was  only  seen  July  17  and  18. 
The  only  birds  seen  on  the  river  were  Hooded  Mergansers. 

7.     Dry   Woodland    (Station   IV.   8,   North   of   Carp   River). 

This  is  the  upper  part  of  the  strip  of  woodland  lying  between  the  cliff 
and  Carp  Lake,  on  the  north  side  of  the  valley,  and  occupies  the  lower  part 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  63 

of  the  talus  slope.  The  trees  here  were  mostly  maple,  birch  and  aspen, 
with  a  few  pines  scattered  among  them.  At  the  eastern  end  the  forest 
was  open,  while  the  trees  of  the  western  end  were  so  close  as  to  make  a 
dense  shade.  On  account  of  the  difference  of  the  character  of  the  two 
portions,  they  will  be  taken  up  separately. 

Western  End.  Here,  w7here  the  trees  were  thick,  few  birds  were  seen. 
The  different  species  noticed  were  as  follows:  Blackburnian  Warbler, 
Kingfisher,  Sparrow  Hawk,  Red-eyed  Vireo,  Wilson's  Thrush,  Canadian 
Warbler,  Blue  Jay  and  Redstart.  There  was  a  Sparrow  Hawk's  nest  sit- 
uated high  up  in  a  dead  tree,  in  what  seemed  to  be  a  deserted  Woodpecker's 
hole.  The  young  of  the  Wilson's  Thrush,  still  unable  to  fly,  were  found 
here. 

Eastern  End.  The  birds  found  in  this  end  of  the  forest  were:  Black- 
throated  Blue  Warbler,  Robin,  Ruffed  Grouse,  Flicker,  Downy  Woodpecker, 
Oven  Bird,  Olive-backed  Thrush,  Red-eyed  Vireo,  Black-billed  Cuckoo, 
Blackburnian  Warbler  and  White-throated  Sparrow.  In  the  evening  and 
morning  the  song  of  the  Olive-backed  Thrush  could  be  heard  almost  every- 
where in  the  tree  tops,  and  they  seemed  to  be  quite  numerous,  but  in  the 
daytime  this  bird  was  seldom  heard.  The  probable  explanation  of  this 
is  that  they  went  into  the  alder  thickets  to  the  south. 

III.       HARDWOOD    FOREST    SOUTH    OF    CARP   RIVER    (STATION  VI.). 

The  trees  along  the  trail  to  Government  Peak  were  mostly  maple,  birch 
and  hemlock,  except  in  low  places  along  the  small  streams,  where  there  was 
much  arbor  vitae  and  balsam. 

Observations  along  the  trail  were  made  July  26  and  the  following  birds 
were  seen  in  the  forest:  Oven  Bird,  Golden-crowned  Kinglet,  Scarles 
Tanager,  Red-eyed  Vireo,  Magnolia  Warbler,  Black-throated  Blue  Warblert 
Wood  Pewee,  "Winter  Wren  and  Olive-backed  Thrush.  The  Magnolia, 
Warbler,  Wood  Pewee  and  Winter  Wren  were  seen  along  a  stream. . 

An  Olive-backed  Thrush's  nest  was  found  on  top  of  a  small  hemlock 
about  ten  feet  high  beneath  a  larger  tree.  The  nest  was  composed  of  leaves, 
rootlets,  and  grasses,  and  was  lined  with  still  smaller  grasses  and  rootlets, 
and  contained  two  bluish  green  eggs  with  cinnamon  brown  spots. 

IV.      LITTLE    CARP   RIVER   VALLEY. 

1.     Little  Carp  Lake  (Station  VII.  1}. 

This  lake  is  small,  being  about  one-half  mile  long  and  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
wide.  The  only  observations  made  upon  the  bird  life  on  the  lake  shore 
were  in  an  open  spot  at  the  east  end.  Only  one  bird  was  seen  on  the  water, 
a  Pied-billed  Grebe,  on  August  2. 

The  open  area  was  at  the  foot  of  a  small  hill  which  arose  precipitously  out  of 
the  lake  to  a  height  of  about  fifty  feet.  There  was  very  little  soil,  which 
accounts  for  the  absence  of  an  extensive  vegetation.  Observations  were  made 
on  August  2  and  3  and  the  birds  seen  were:  Blue  Jay,  Junco,  Humming 
Bird,  Yellow-bellied  Sapsucker,  Hairy  Woodpecker,  White-throated  Sparrow, 
Wood  Pewee,  Purple  Finch,  Chimney  Swift,  Raven,  Kingfisher,  Cedar 
Waxwing,  Flicker  and  Song  Sparrow.  The  Chimney  Swift  and  Raven 
were  seen  flying  overhead. 


64  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

2.     Beaver  Meadow  (Station  VII.  2  and  3}. 

This  meadow  was  along  Little  Carp  river,  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  east 
of  Little  Carp  Lake.  It  was  about  a  mile  long  and  a  quarter  of  a  mile  wide, 
the  Little  Carp  river  running  through  the  middle  of  it.  The  ground  was 
quite  marshy  in  many  places  and  was  covered  with  grass,  there  being  no 
trees  in  the  meadow.  There  were  several  willow  and  alder  bushes  at  the 
east  end.  The  surrounding  trees  were  alder,  tamarack,  arbor  vitae,  balsam 
and  birch. 

Observations  were  made  on  August  3,  and  the  birds  seen  here  were: 
Kingfisher,  Solitary  Sandpiper,  Cedar  Waxwing,  Red-eyed  Vireo,  Swamp 
Sparrow,  Song  Sparrow,  White-throated  Sparrow,  Marsh  Hawk,  Pine  Siskin, 
Hairy  Woodpecker,  Tree  Swallow,  White- winged  Crossbill,  Yellow-legs, 
Least  Sandpiper,  Red-breasted  Nuthatch. 

The  Kingfisher,  Solitary  Sandpiper,  Least  Sandpiper,  and  Yellow-legs 
were  seen  along  Little  Carp  river.  The  Tree  Swallow,  Marsh  Hawk  and 
Pine  Siskin  were  seen  flying  overhead,  and  the  Song  Sparrow  and  Swamp 
Sparrow  were  seen  feeding  in  the  grass,  while  the  rest  were  seen  in  the  trees 
around  the  edge.  The  Crossbills  were  seen  in  tamarack  trees  at  the 
edge  of  the  marsh.  As  it  was  August  3  when  I  was  at  the  beaver  meadow, 
I  cannot  say  which  birds  bred  there  and  which  were  migrants. 

v.     SUMMARY. 

On  glancing  over  the  list  of  birds  found  at  the  different  stations,  it  will 
be  noticed  that  some  birds  were  found  at  only  one  or  in  a  few  stations,  while 
others  were  found  in  nearly  all  of  them.  At  some  stations  a  certain  species 
of  bird  would  be  quite  numerous,  while  another  only  a  short  distance  away. 
would  contain  none  of  these.  From  such  facts  we  must  conclude  that  some 
birds  are  found  only  in  certain  situations  which  possess  definite  environ- 
mental conditions.  There  were  also  a  number  of  birds  observed  which  were 
too  rare  to  determine  what  kind  of  localities  they  preferred ;  still  others  were 
only  seen  flying  overhead.  Regarding  abundance,  at  one  extreme  were 
the  rare  forms  and  at  the  other  those  found  almost  everywhere.  The  rare 
birds  were:  Myrtle  Warbler,  Great  Horned  Owl,  Black  and  White  Warbler, 
Indigo  Bunting,  Broad-winged  Hawk,  Humming  Bird,  Arctic  Three-toed 
Woodpecker,  Connecticut  Warbler,  Blue-headed  Vireo,  Rose-breasted 
Grosbeak,  Scarlet  Tanager,  House  Wren,  King  Bird,  White-breasted  Nut- 
hatch and  Phoebe.  The  birds  only  seen  flying  overhead  were:  Red-tailed 
Hawk,  Chimney  Swift,  Bald  Eagle,  Tree  Swallow  and  Marsh  Hawk.  The 
birds  of  general  distribution  were:  Ruffed  Grouse,  Red-eyed  Vireo,  Black- 
throated  Green  Warbler,  Chickadee,  Purple  Finch,  Black-throated  Blue 
Warbler,  Sharp-shinned  Hawk,  Cedar  Waxwing,  Oven  Bird  and  Wilson's 
Thrush. 

In  the  case  of  birds  with  a  restricted  range,  the  limiting  area  was  occasion-, 
ally  very  sharply  defined,  while  in  other  cases  it  was  difficult  to  recognize 
these  limits.  Examples  of  the  former  are  the  water  and  shore  birds, 
of  the  latter,  the  Golden-crowned  Kinglet  and  Pine  Siskin.  The  distribution 
of  the  water  and  shore  birds  was  the  most  sharply  defined,  and,  as  they 
are  the  simplest  to  place,  I  will  begin  my  summary  with  them.  In  con- 
nection with  these  I  will  also  mention  other  birds  found  in  association  with 
the  shores  of  the  lakes  and  rivers. 

1.  Water  Birds.  Of  the  water  birds  only  a  few  species  were  observed. 
The  Herring  Gull,  Loon  and  American  Merganser  were  found  on  Lake 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN. 


65 


Superior.  A  Loon  was  once  seen  on  Carp  Lake  and  a  Pied-billed  Grebe 
was  seen  on  Little  Carp  Lake.  The  only  water  bird  found  on  the  rivers 
was  the  Hooded  Merganser  which  was  taken  on  Carp  river. 

Although  not  an  aquatic  bird,  I  will  mention  the  Osprey  here  as  it  was 
seen  flying  over  the  water.  It  was  first  seen  near  the  mouth  of  Union  river 
and  afterwards  over  Carp  Lake.  It  would  circle  around  above  the  water 
until  it  saw  a  fish  and  then  it  would  plunge  into  the  water  after  it.  As  far 
as  observed  most  of  these  efforts  were  successful. 

2.  Birds  Frequenting  Shores  and  Banks  of  Streams.  Shore  birds  were 
most  abundant  along  Carp  and  Little  Carp  rivers;  only  a  few  were  seen  on 
the  lake  beaches.  The  Solitary  Sandpiper  was  the  only  one  seen  in  all  the 


FIG.  19.  Carp  river,  station  IV,  showing  zones  of  vegetation  on  the  mud  flats 


The  only  bird  confined  to  the  alders  was  the  Alder  Flycatcher,  but  several 
others,  of  limited  distribution,  were  found  here,  such  as  the  Redstart,  Swamp 
Sparrow,  Mourning  Warbler,  Olive-backed  Thrush,  Black-billed  Cuckoo, 
Least  Flycatcher,  Song  Sparrow,  and  Water  Thrush. 

The  Redstart  was  rather  common  here  and  among  the  cedars  near  the 
shore  of  Lake  Superior  (Station  II.  1)  and  was  also  seen  along  Little  Iron 
river.  It  seems  to  keep  near  water  and  near  the  ground,  as  it  was  very 
seldom  seen  in  the  high  trees. 

The  Mourning  Warbler  was  found  here,  but  also  in  the  bushes  of  the  camp 
clearing,  and  along  the  path  to  the  lake  in  the  cedar  swamp  (Station  II.  1). 
-Thus  it  is  seen  that  this  bird  is  not  usually  found  in  thickly  forested  woodland 
but  is  more  decidedly  a  bird  of  the  bushes  or  thickets. 

The  Olive-backed  'Thrush  was  found  on  the  mountain  top,  in  the  river 


64  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

2.     Beaver  Meadow  (Station  VII.  2  and  3). 

This  meadow  was  along  Little  Carp  river,  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  east 
of  Little  Carp  Lake.  It  was  about  a  mile  long  and  a  quarter  of  a  mile  wide, 
the  Little  Carp  river  running  through  the  middle  of  it.  The  ground  was 
quite  marshy  in  many  places  and  was  covered  with  grass,  there  being  no 
trees  in  the  meadow.  There  were  several  willow  and  alder  bushes  at  the 
east  end.  The  surrounding  trees  were  alder,  tamarack,  arbor  vitae,  balsam 
and  birch. 

Observations  were  made  on  August  3,  and  the  birds  seen  here  were: 
Kingfisher,  Solitary  Sandpiper,  Cedar  Wax  wing,  Red-eyed  Vireo,  Swamp 
Snarrmv-  Son?  Snarrow.  White-throated  Snarrow.  Marsh  Hawk.  Pine  Siskin. 


throated  Green  Warbler,  Chickadee,  Purple  Finch,  Black-throated  Blue 
Warbler,  Sharp-shinned  Hawk,  Cedar  Waxwing,  Oven  Bird  and  Wilson's 
Thrush. 

In  the  case  of  birds  with  a  restricted  range,  the  limiting  area  was  occasion-, 
ally  very  sharply  denned,  while  in  other  cases  it  was  difficult  to  recognize 
these  limits.  Examples  of  the  former  are  the  water  and  shore  birds, 
of  the  latter,  the  Golden-crowned  Kinglet  and  Pine  Siskin.  The  distribution 
of  the  water  and  shore  birds  was  the  most  sharply  denned,  and,  as  they 
are  the  simplest  to  place,  I  will  begin  my  summary  with  them.  In  con- 
nection with  these  I  will  also  mention  other  birds  found  in  association  with 
the  shores  of  the  lakes  and  rivers. 

1.     Water  Birds.     Of  the  water  birds  only  a  few  species  were  observed. 
The  Herring  Gull,  Loon   and   American   Merganser   were   found   on   Lake 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  65 

Superior.  A  Loon  was  once  seen  on  Carp  Lake  and  a  Pied-billed  Grebe 
was  seen  on  Little  Carp  Lake.  The  only  water  bird  found  on  the  rivers 
was  the  Hooded  Merganser  which  was  taken  on  Carp  river. 

Although  not  an  aquatic  bird,  I  will  mention  the  Osprey  here  as  it  was 
seen  flying  over  the  water.  It  was  first  seen  near  the  mouth  of  Union  river 
and  afterwards  over  Carp  Lake.  It  would  circle  around  above  the  water 
until  it  saw  a  fish  and  then  it  would  plunge  into  the  water  after  it.  As  far 
as  observed  most  of  these  efforts  were  successful. 

2.  Birds  Frequenting  Shores  and  Banks  of  Streams.     Shore  birds  were 
most  abundant  along  Carp  and  Little  Carp  rivers;  only  a  few  were  seen  on 
the  lake  beaches.     The  Solitary  Sandpiper  was  the  only  one  seen  in  all  the 
places  mentioned.     The  Lesser  Yellow-legs  was  seen  only  along  Little  Carp 
river.     The  Least  Sandpiper  was  seen  along  Little  Carp  river  and  on  the 
Lake  Superior  beach.      The  Spotted  Sandpiper  was  seen  only  on  the  Lake 
Superior  beach.     These  birds  were  always  seen  near  the  waters  edge  except 
when  on  the  wing.     A  Snipe  was  seen  at  the  edge  of  the  water  along  Carp 
river,  in  the  neighborhood  of  a  grassy  marsh. 

Another  bird  that  was  characteristic  of  the  rivers  and  small  lakes  was  the 
Kingfisher,  which  was  nearly  always  seen  at  the  edge  of  the  water,  but  never 
on  the  ground.  It  always  lit  on  some  bush  or  tree,  and  was  most  frequently 
seen  on  trees  overhanging  the  water.  The  Great  Blue  Heron  was  seen 
standing  on  the  edge  of  Carp  Lake  once,  and  several  times  it  was  seen  flying 
over. 

Besides  the  birds  characteristic  of  the  waters  edge,  birds  from  the  alders 
and  birds  of  general  distribution  were  often  observed  on  the  beach  of  Carp 
Lake  and  Lake  Superior.  This  includes  such  birds  as  the  Song  Sparrow, 
Swamp  Sparrow,  Crow  and  Raven. 

3.  Birds  Found  in  Grassy  Marshes  and  in  Alders.     Closely  associated 
with  the  birds  of  the  water's  edge  were  the  birds  of  grassy  marshes  and 
alders  along  the  streams.     The  birds  often  seen  in  the  grassy  marshes  were 
the  Wilson's  Snipe,  Rail,  Song  Sparrow,  and  Swamp  Sparrow.     The  Rail 
was  only  seen  once  in  the  grassy  marsh  east  of  Carp  Lake. 

The.  Song  Sparrow  and  Swamp  Sparrow  are  not  confined  to  the  grassy 
marshes,,  since  both  were  also  found  in  the  alders.  The  Song  Sparrow 
was  also  found  in  the  camp  clearing  (Station  III.  3)  and  in  one  of  the  clear- 
ings in  the  arbor  vitae  swamp  (Station  II.  1),  so  that  the  Song  Sparrow 
may  be  said  to  inhabit  clearings  both  natural  and  artificial,  and  the  Swamp 
Sparrow  may  be  said  to  inhabit  marshy  clearings.  In  this  case  I  have 
classed  the  alders  as  a  natural  clearing  because  there  were  no  trees  among 
the  bushes. 

The  only  bird  confined  to  the  alders  was  the  Alder  Flycatcher,  but-  several 
others,  of  limited  distribution,  were  found  here,  such  as  the  Redstart,  Swamp 
Sparrow,  Mourning  Warbler,  Olive-backed  Thrush,  Black-billed  Cuckoo, 
Least  Flycatcher,  Song  Sparrow,  and  Water  Thrush. 

The  Redstart  was  rather  common  here  and  among  the  cedars  near  the 
shore  of  Lake  Superior  (Station  II.  1)  and  was  also  seen  along  Little  Iron 
river.  It  seems  to  keep  near  water  and  near  the  ground,  as  it  was  very 
seldom  seen  in  the  high  trees. 

The  Mourning  Warbler  was  found  here,  but  also  in  the  bushes  of  the  camp 
clearing,  and  along  the  path  to  the  lake  in  the  cedar  swamp  (Station  II.  1). 
-Thus  it  is  seen  that  this  bird  is  not  usually  found  in  thickly  forested  woodland 
but  is  more  decidedly  a  bird  of  the  bushes  or  thickets. 

The  Olive-backed  Thrush  was  found  on  the  mountain  top,  in  the  river 


66  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

valley,  and  in  the  bushes  around  the  edge  of  the  clearings  or  in  partially 
cleared  woodland.  In  the  mornings  and  evenings  it  also  appeared  abundant 
among  the  scattered  trees  at  the  base  of  the  talus  slope.  It  was  never  found 
in  dense  woodland. 

The  Black-billed  Cuckoo  was  often  seen  among  the  alders,  in  the  scattered 
trees  at  the  foot  of  the  talus  slope,  and  in  the  aspens  surrounding  the  camp 
clearing.  These  facts  show  that  it  was  a  bird  of  the  open  woodland. 

The  Least  Flycatcher  was  found  in  the  alders  and  in  a  clearing  in  a  hemlock 
forest;  the  former  a  natural,  and  the  latter  an  artifical  clearing.  It  was  also 
seen  in  damp  woodland  south  of  Carp  river,  on  the  edge  of  a  clearing. 

The  Water  Thrush  was  seen  in  two  other  localities,  the  damp  woodland 
south  of  Carp  river,  and  along  the  road  to  Ontonagon  near  Lake  Superior. 

4.  Birds  Frequenting  Tamarack  Swamps  and  Cedar  Swamps.  The  lowlands 
have  all  been  dealt  with,  with  the  exception  of  the  tamarack  swamps  and  cedar 
swamps.  The  former  wras  not  entirely  true  to  its  name,  as  about  half  of  the  trees 
were  cedar.  The  birds  of  these  swTamps  deserving  mention  are  as  follows: 
Magnolia  Warbler,  Canadian  Warbler,  Sparrow  Hawk,  and  Olive-sided 
Flycatcher,  Red-breasted  Nuthatch,  Red  Crossbill,  White-winged  Crossbill, 
Winter  Wren,  White-throated  Sparrow,  Golden-crowned  Kinglet  and  Pine 
Siskin: 

The  Magnolia  Warbler  was  found  only  in  the  cedar  and  tamarack  swamps 
or  along  small  streams  where  the  arbor  vitae  grew. 

The  Canadian  Warbler  was  found  near  Lake  Superior  shore  and  near 
Carp  Lake  and  always  in  the  more  or  less  open  woods. 

The  Sparrow  Hawk  was  seen  in  a  clearing  among  the  cedars,  and  had  a 
nest  just  south  of  the  cliff  in  a  limbless  tree  which  stood  above  the  tops  of 
the  surrounding  trees.  It  was  also  often  seen  on  the  top  of  the  cliff  and 
around  the  camp  clearing. 

The  Olive-sided  Flycatcher  was  found  in  the  tamarack  swTamp  in  Carp 
river  valley  and  in  a  hemlock  clearing  near  Lake  Superior.  If  was  always 
seen  on  the  top  of  a  dead  tree,  usually  on  the  highest  perch  in  the  neighbor- 
hood. 

The  Red-breasted  Nuthatch  was  seen  in  the  tamarack  swamp,  and  among 
the  pines  at  the  top  of  the  mountain.  It  can,  therefore,  be  classed  with 
the  birds  characteristic  of  the  coniferous  forests. 

The  Red,  and  White- winged  Crossbills  were  numerous  in  the  tamarack 
swamps,  the  White-winged  Crossbill  being  seen  only  in  such  places.  The 
Red  Crossbill  came  to  the  camp  clearing  several  times.  The  cause  for  their 
occurrence  in  the  tamaracks  is  that  these  are  the  only  conifers  whose  seeds 
could  be  obtained  for  food. 

The  Golden-crowned  Kinglets  and  Pine  Siskins  were  very  abundant 
among  the  coniferous  trees,  and  were  seldom  seen  where  these  were  lacking. 
The  Pine  Siskin  occasionally  came  to  the  oamp  clearing. 

The  Winter  Wren  and  White-throated  Sparrow  were  found  in  the  low- 
lands and  about  half  way  up  the  mountain  side.  The  White-throated 
Sparrow  frequented  the  open  woodland  and  the  edge  of  the  clearings.  The 
Winter  Wren  was  found  in  the  more  dense  parts  of  the  forests  and  near 
streams. 

6.  Birds  Frequenting  Hemlocks  and  Maples.  Nearly  all  the  birds  that  were 
found  in  these  two  stations  were  also  found  in  the  cedar  swamp  to  the  north 
(II.  1)  or  belonged  to  the  list  of  rare  birds.  There  were  a  number  of  birds 
that  were  generally  distributed  in  all  the  woodland  between  the  Lake  Superior 
and  Carp  river  which,  with  the  exception  of  the  Blackburnian  Warbler, 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  67 

seemed  to  be  more  abundant  in  these  two  stations.  To  this  class  belong  the 
following:  Oven  Bird,  Blackburnian  Warbler,  Hairy  Woodpecker,  Brown 
Creeper  and  Pileated  Woodpecker. 

6.  Birds  Frequenting  the  Cliff  and  Mountain  Top.  The  birds  character- 
istic of  this  station  were  the  Raven,  Pine  Warbler,  Robin,  Bluebird,  Flicker, 
Junco  and  Chipping  Sparrow. 

The  two  specimens  of  Pine  Warbler,  which  were  observed  several  times, 
were  always  found  among  the  pines  that  grew  on  the  top  and  south  slope, 
so  it  may  be  said  to  be  characteristic  of  the  pines. 

The  Robin  and  Bluebird  were  often  observed  on  the  bare  top  of  the  cliffs, 
and  occasionally  the  Robin  was  seen  in  the  camp  clearing  near  by.  The 
Robin  and  the  Bluebird  are  early  migrants  and  may  have  settled  here  because 
it  was  on  the  south  side  of  the  mountain  and  well  exposed  to  the  sun  and 
protected  from  the  north  winds. 

The  Flicker  was  found  here  and  in  a  clearing  along  the  south  shore  of 
Lake  Superior.  The  Junco  was  abundant  here  and  was  seen  in  a  dry  sandy 
clearing  near  Ontonagon.  It  was  also  abundant  on  the  dry  knoll  at  the 
edge  of  Little  Carp  Lake  so  that  this  bird  and  the  Flicker  may  be  said  in  this 
region  to  inhabit  dry  clearings.  They  are  also  examples  of  the  tendancy 
of  natural  clearing  birds  to  spread  into  the  artificial  clearings. 

The  Chipping  Sparrow  was  found  here  among  the  pines  and  on  the  dry 
knoll  above  mentioned. 

The  Blue  Jay  was  found  on  the  south  slope  of  the  cliff  from  the  top  to  the 
edge  of  Carp  Lake  and  on  the  dry  knoll. 

I  have  here  only  attempted  to  give  the  distribution  of  the  birds  as  I  found 
them  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains.  The  distribution  of  many  of  these  birds 
may  be  very  different  in  other  localities.  This  would  be  an  interesting  field 
for  study  in  other  regions. 

I  am  under  obligations  to  the  University  Museum  for  the  opportunity 
to  make  these  observations,  and  I  am  also  much  indebted  to  Mr.  Charles 
C.  Adams  for  assistance  in  preparing  this  paper  for  publication. 


MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 


THE   ECOLOGICAL   RELATIONS  OF  THE  ORTHOPTERA   IN   THE 
PORCUPINE  MOUNTAINS,  MICHIGAN. 


ALBERT     PITTS     MORSE,     RESEARCH     ASSISTANT,      CARNEGIE     INSTITUTION     OF 

WASHINGTON. 


1.       GENERAL    REMARKS. 

The  Orthoptera  collected  by  Mr.  A.  G.  Ruthven  in  the  Porcupine  Moun- 
tains represent  two  families  of  the  Saltatoria  and  comprise  two  species  of 
Locustidae  and  14  species  of  Acridiidae.  The  collection  was  made'  between 
July  13  and  August  12,  1904.  Though  the  list  is  far  from  complete,  it  may 
be  said,  in  general,  that  the  species  obtained  are  representative  elements 
of  the  orthopterous  fauna  of  the  Canadian  and  cooler  parts  of  the  Transition 
zones  of  the  central  portion  of  the  continent.  The  commingling  of  species 
is  especially  interesting,  and  in  itself  would  suffice  to  indicate,  within  relatively 
narrow  limits,  the  locality  from  whence  the  collection  was  derived  and  the 
environmental  conditions  present. 

While  data  in  addition  to  those  of  date,  locality,  and  general  character 
of  the  station  are  lacking — no  notes  on  individual  captures  or  particular 
species  and  their  relation  to  the  environment  in  this  instance  being  available 
— I  have  no  doubt  that  the  ecological  relations  of  the  species  secured  are 
essentially  the  same  as  in  other  quarters  of  the  eastern  section  of  the  country. 
This  judgment  is  confirmed  by  the  careful  collecting  notes  and  discrimina- 
ting observations  of  Mr.  Morgan  Hebard  in  reference  to  the  Orthoptera  of 
the  Keweenaw  Bay  region  (Rehn,  Entom.  News,  Sept.,  Oct.,  1904).  I 
have  elsewhere  (Pub.  No.  18,  Carnegie  Inst.  of  Wash.,  p.  15  et  seq.)  classified 
the  Acridian  societies  of  eastern  North  America  and  discussed  some  of  their 
more  salient  features.  The  same  classification  is  followed  in  the  present 
paper. 

The  Acridians  secured  represent  several  distinct  societies  and  habitats. 
These  habitats,  or  complexes  of  environmental  conditions,  when  viewed 
from  the  standpoint  of  locust  biology,  may  be  arranged  in  three  major 
groups : 

1.  Bare  rock  and  soil  surfaces  of  the  lake  shore,  clearing,  mountain 
top,  or  talus  slope,  either  wet  or  dry, — these  are  inhabited  by  campestral 
geophilous  locusts. 

2.  Areas  clothed  with  a  low  vegetal  growth  of  grasses  or  other  herbaceous 
plants,  such  as  meadows,  fields,  clearings,  etc.,  likewise  varying  greatly 
in  moisture  content  of  soil,  and  often  extremely  limited  in  size, — these 
are  the  haunts  of  campestral  phytophilous  locusts. 

3.  Thickets  of  shrubs  or  stunted  undergrowth  bordering  forest  edges 
and  openings,  either  along  the  lake  shore,  about  clearings,  or  on  the  mountain 
top, — here  dwell  the  sylvan  phytophilous  species. 

Of  the  Locustarians  collected,  one  species  is  a  bush-dwelling  form,  nearly 
related  to  the  katydid;  the  other,  a  shield-backed  grasshopper,  is  a  typical 
thicket-inhabiting  species. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  69 

As  is  evident  from  Mr.  Ruthven's  field  notes  on  the  general  character 
of  the  stations,  and  also  from  a  consideration  of  the  station  lists  of  Orthoptera, 
almost  every  station  contains  two  or  more  locust  societies.  These  societies 
comprise  one  or  more  characteristic  species  of  locusts  which  find  their  pre- 
ferred haunts  within  a  relatively  narrow  range  of  physical  conditions  and 
are  practically  characteristic  of  such  habitats.  It  should  be  pointed  out, 
however,  that  in  the  heart  of  its  range  a  species  is  usually  more  generally 
distributed,  and  less  restricted  to  its  special  habitat,  than  elsewhere;  further- 
more, that  accidental  occurrences  are  not  infrequent  and  can  be  correctly 
estimated  as  such  only  by  careful  observation  or  experience.  "One  swallow 

does  not  make  a  summer,"  and  the  capture  of  a  single  specimen  of  a  locust 

" 


Fio.  20.  Beaver  meadow,   station     VII.   2,    showing   grasses  and  sedges  bordered    by  encroaching 
willows  and  alders.      Tamarack  and  spruce  in  the  background. 


Station  I.  Beach  of  Lake  Superior.  Species  taken:  Chloealtis  abdomi- 
nalis,  Camnula  pellucida,  Circotettix  verruculatus,  Melanoplus  atlanis  and 
Melanoplus  femoratus. 

Habitats  represented  and  characteristic  species. 

1.  Exposed  rock  or  soil  surfaces:     Circotettix  verruculatus,   (Camnula 

pellucida) . 

2.  Grassy   places — dry:     Melanoplus   atlanis   and   Camnula   pellucida. 

3.  Grassy  places — moist:     Melanoplus  femoratus. 

4.  Thickets — forest  edge:     Chloealtis  abdominalis. 

Station  II.    North  Slope  of  First  Range.     Species  taken : 
Sub.  2. — Hardwood  Forest. — Tettixbrunneri. 
Habitats  represented  and  characteristic  species. 

The  single  species  taken  is  not  typical  of  forested  environment,  usually 
occurring  on  bare  soil. 


MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 


THE   ECOLOGICAL   RELATIONS  OF  THE  ORTHOPTERA   IN   THE 
PORCUPINE  MOUNTAINS,  MICHIGAN. 


ALBERT     PITTS     MORSE,     RESEARCH     ASSISTANT,     CARNEGIE     INSTITUTION     OF 

WASHINGTON. 


rnese  naDitats,  or  ,.. 

from  the  standpoint  of  locust  biology,  may  be  arranged  in  three  major 

groups : 

1.  Bare  rock  and  soil  surfaces  of  the  lake  shore,  clearing,  mountain 
top,  or  talus  slope,  either  wet  or  dry, — these  are  inhabited  by  campestral 
geophilous  locusts. 

2.  Areas  clothed  with  a  low  vegetal  growth  of  grasses  or  other  herbaceous 
plants,  such  as  meadows,  fields,  clearings,  etc.,  likewise  varying  greatly 
in  moisture  content  of  soil,  and  often  extremely  limited  in  size, — these 
are  the  haunts  of  campestral  phytophilous  locusts. 

3.  Thickets  of  shrubs  or  stunted  undergrowth  bordering  forest  edges 
and  openings,  either  along  the  lake  shore,  about  clearings,  or  on  the  mountain 
top, — here  dwell  the  sylvan  phytophilous  species. 

Of  the  Locustarians  collected,  one  species  is  a  bush-dwelling  form,  nearly 
related  to  the  katydid;  the  other,  a  shield-backed  grasshopper,  is  a  typical 
thicket-inhabiting  species. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  G9 

As  is  evident  from  Mr.  Ruthven's  field  notes  on  the  general  character 
of  the  stations,  and  also  from  a  consideration  of  the  station  lists  of  Orthoptera, 
almost  every  station  contains  two  or  more  locust  societies.  These  societies 
comprise  one  or  more  characteristic  species  of  locusts  which  find  their  pre- 
ferred haunts  within  a  relatively  narrow  range  of  physical  conditions  and 
are  practically  characteristic  of  such  habitats.  It  should  be  pointed  out, 
however,  that  in  the  heart  of  its  range  a  species  is  usually  more  generally 
distributed,  and  less  restricted  to  its  special  habitat,  than  elsewhere ;  further- 
more, that  accidental  occurrences  are  not  infrequent  and  can  be  correctly 
estimated  as  such  only  by  careful  observation  or  experience.  "One  swallow 
does  not  make  a  summer,"  and  the  capture  of  a  single  specimen  of  a  locust 
in  a  given  locality  does  not  necessarily  indicate  either  an  austral  or  a  boreal 
climate,  a  campestral  or  a  sylvan  habitat. 

It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  state  that  the  abundance  and  extent  of  the 
area  occupied  by  the  various  elements  of  the  locust  fauna  will  inevitably 
be  affected  by  the  physical  and  organic  agencies  controlling  the  condition 
of  the  environments  they  inhabit,  and,  other  things  being  equal,  will  change 
as  they  change.  On  the  advent  of  new  conditions  one  -of  three  things 
will  happen :  either  the  species  will  become  adapted  to  its  changed  environ- 
ment, will  emigrate,  or  will  die  out  in  that  particular  spot — probably  the  latter. 
There  is  every  reason  to  think  that  with  increasing  deforestation  of  the  terri- 
tory, the  thamnophilous  locusts  will  increase  in  numbers;  and  that,  if  settle- 
ments and  clearings  multiply,  so  will  the  campestral  locusts. 

The  avenue  of  ingress  of  the  orthopterous  fanua  into  this  territory,  it 
is  believed,  was  on  the  southwest,  along  the  continuous  land  surface,  follow- 
ing the  retreat  of  glacial  conditions.  This  avenue  was  probably  the  only 
practicable  one  open  to  the  flightless  thicket-dwelling  forms,  and  was  doubtless 
followed  by  most,  or  all,  of  the  flying  species  as  well. 

For  further  information  in  regard  to  the  biology  of  the  Orthoptera  herein 
mentioned,  the  following  works  should  be  consulted,  in  addition  to  those 
already  referred  to: 

Blatchley,  W.  S.— The  Orthoptera  of  Indiana.— 27th  Annual  Report  of 
the  Department  of  Geology  and  Natural  Resources  of  Indiana. 

Morse,  Albert  P. — Notes  on  the  Acridiidae  of  New  England. — Psyche, 
vols.  VII,  and  VIII. 

The  former  of  these  contains  a  valuable  bibliography. 

2.       STATION    LIST. 

Station  I.  Beach  of  Lake  Superior.  Species  taken:  Chloealtis  abdomi- 
nalis,  Camnula  pellucida,  Circotettix  verruculatus,  Melanoplus  atlanis  and 
Melanoplus  femoratus. 

Habitats  represented  and  characteristic  species. 

1.  Exposed  rock  or  soil  surfaces:     Circotettix  verruculatus,   (Camnula 

pellucida) . 

2.  Grassy   places — dry:     Melanoplus  atlanis   and   Camnula   pellucida. 

3.  Grassy  places — moist:     Melanoplus  femoratus. 

4.  Thickets — forest  edge:     Chloealtis  abdominalis. 

Station  II.    North  Slope  of  First  Range.     Species  taken : 
Sub.  2. — Hardwood  Forest. — Tettix  brunneri. 
Habitats  represented  and  characteristic  species. 

The  single  species  taken  is  not  typical  of  forested  environment,  usually 
occurring  on  bare  soil. 


70  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

Sub.  3. — Clearing  in  Saddle.  Species  taken:  Chloealtis  conspersa, 
Stenobothrus  curtipennis,  Circotettix  verruculatus,  Melanoplus  extremus,  and 
Melanoplus  femoratus. 

Habitats  represented  and  characteristic  species.  (No  notes  on  condi- 
tions at  this  station  have  been  submitted,  but  the  habitats  are  probably 
the  following:) 

1.  Exposed  rock  or  soil  surfaces:     Circotettix  verruculatus. 

2.  Grassy   places — moist:     Stenobothrus    curtipennis,     Melanoplus    ex- 

tremus and  Melanoplus  femoratus. 

3.  Thickets — edges    of    clearing    (sometimes    in    dry,    grassy    places) : 

Chloealtis  conspersa. 

Sub.  5. — Aspen  Zone  Bordering  Bare  Mountain  Top.  Species  taken: 
Melanoplus  fasciatus. 

Habitats  represented  and  characteristic  species. 

1.    Thickets — usually  xerophytic:     Melanoplus  fasciatus. 

Station  III.  Top  of  First  Range  and  Southern  Escarpment.      Species  taken: 

Sub.  1. — West  Slope  of  Ridge  (aspen  zone). — Chloealtis  abdominalis, 
Chloealtis  conspersa,  Camnula  pellucida,  Melanoplus  fasciatus,  Melanoplus 
femoratus  and  Melanoplus  luridus. 

Sub.  2. — Bare  Mountain  Top  (heath  and  grass  vegetation). — Chloealtis 
abdominalis,  Chloealtis  conspersa,  Circotettix  verruculatus,  Melanoplus  fasci- 
atus and  Melanoplus  islandicus. 

Sub.  3. — Zone  of  Pines  crossing  Mountain  Top. — Melanoplus  fasciatus. 

Sub.  4. — East  Slope  of  Ridge  (aspen  and  scrub  oak  vegetation). — Melan- 
oplus fasciatus  and  Atlanticus  pachymerus. 

Sub.  5. — Mountain  Top. — Chloealtis  abdominalis,  Chloealtis  conspersa, 
Melanoplus  fasciatus,  Melanoplus  femoratus,  Circotettix  verruculatus  and 
Atlanticus  pachymerus. 

Sub.  6. — Mountain  Top. — Melanoplus  amplectens. 

Habitats  represented  and  characteristic  species. 

1.  Exposed  rock  surfaces: — Circotettix  verruculatus. 

2.  Grassy  places — (usually  moist) : — Melanoplus  femoratus. 

3.  Thickets: — Chloealtis   ^conspersa     and     abdominalis,      Melanoplus 

amplectens,  fasciatus,  and  islandicus,  Atlanticus  pachymerus. 

Station  IV.  2.  Carp  River  Valley  Flood-plain  (characterized  by  cassandra 
thickets,  grasses  and  sedges).  Species  taken:  Stenobothrus  curtipennis, 
Podisma  glacialis,  Melanoplus  islandicus,  Atlanticus  pachymerus,  Scudderia 
pistillata. 

Habitats  represented  and  characteristic  species. 

1.  Grassy  places — moist: — Stenobothrus  curtipennis. 

2.  Thickets: — Podisma    glacialis,     Melanoplus     islandicus,  Atlanticus 

pachymerus. 

3.  Bushes,  leafage  of: — Scudderia  pistillata. 

Station  VII.  2.  Beaver  Meadow  along  Little  Carp  River.  Species  taken: — 
Camnula  pellucida. 

Habitats  represented  and  characteristic  species. 

1.  Grassy  places — moist.  The  species  of  locust  taken  here  is  not 
characteristic  of  such  conditions,  but  it  is  a  very  common  and 
widely  distributed  species  in  the  boreal  zones,  and  may  occur 
almost  anywhere,  especially  in  grassy  places.  Its  preferred 
haunts  are  on  dry.  upland  soils. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN. 


71 


3.      SYSTEMATIC   LIST   OF   THE    ORTHOPTERA. 

Porcupine  Mountains. 


ACRIDIIDAE. 


1.  Tettix  brunneri  Bol. 

2.  Chloealtis  abdominalis  Thorn. 


(juv.  spec,  do.) 

a 

u 
u 

3.  Chloealtis  conspersa  Harr. 

a  a 

(juv.  spec,  do.) 
u 

4.  Slenobothrus  curtipennis  Harr. 

«  a 

5.  Camnula  pellucida  Scudd. 

u  u 

u  u 

U  (I 

6.  Circotettix  verruculatus  Kirb. 


7.  Podisma  glacialis  Scudd. 

8.  Melanoplus  amplectens  Scudd. 

9.  Melanoplus  atlanis  Ril. 

10.  Melanoplus  extremus  Walk. 

11.  Melanoplus  fasciatus  Barnst.-Walk. 


12.  Melanoplus  femoratus  Burm. 


(juv.  spec,  do.) 


1  d*,  Station  II. 

1  d*,  Station  III.,  Substation  1. 

1  d*,  HI.,  2. 
2d\3  9,  III.,  5. 

9  ,  juv.  in  the  5th  stage,  I. 
d*,  juv.  in  the  5th  stage,  III.,  2. 

2  9  ,  juv.  in  the  5th  stage,  III.,  2. 
9  ,  juv.  in  the  4th  stage,  III.,  2. 
9  ,  juv.  in  the  5th  stage,  III.,  5. 
19,  II.,  3. 

19,  III.,  1. 

19,  III.,  1,  long-winged. 

cT,  juv.  in  the  5th  stage,  III.,  1. 

d\  juv.  in  the  4th  stage,  III.,  2. 

29,  II.,  3. 

26",  IV.,  2. 

19,  IV.,  2. 

19,  III.,  1. 

Id*,  I.,  beach. 

19,  I.,  beach. 

29,  VII.,  2. 

19,  II.,  3. 

3d*,  III.    2. 


Id*,  HI. 
1  9 ,  III. 
19,  III. 
1  9 ,  III. 


2cJ*,  I.,  beach. 
19,  I.,  beach. 
19,  IV.,  2. 
19,  III.,  6. 
Id*,  I.,  beach. 
29,  II.,  3. 
Id*,  II.,  5. 
19,  II.,  5. 


*,  HI. 

id*,  HI. 

49,  III. 

Id1,  HI. 

1 9 ,  III. 

id*,  HI. 

Id*,  49 


2. 
2. 
2. 
3. 

4. 
III.,  5. 


4d*,  II.,  3. 

89,  II.,  3. 

19',  III.,  1. 

id1,  HI..  5. 

219,  I.,  beach. 

Id*,  I.,  beach. 

2  9  ,  juv.  in  the  5th  stage,  II.,  3. 


72  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

13.  Melanoplus  islandicus  Blatchl.  19,  II.,  5. 

ld\  III.,  2. 
19,  IV.,  2. 

14.  Melanoplus  luridus  Dodge.  IcT,  III.,  1. 


LOCUSTIDAB. 

15.  Scudderia  pistillate,  Brunn.  1  9  ,  IV.,  2. 

16.  Atlanticus  pachymerus  Burm.  1  juv.    9  ,  III.,  4. 

19,  III.,  4. 

19,  IV.,  2. 

Id",  III.,  5. 

Isle  Royal  e. 

The  following  species  were  identified  from  this  locality;    no  field  notes 
accompanied  the  specimens. 

1.  Tettix  acadicus  Scudd.  1  9  ,  III. 

2.  Camnula  pellucida,  Scudd.  2cT,  29,  II. 

3.  Ceuthophilus  seclusus  Scudd.       .           lc?,  III. 
,                 "          .     '  «                                  19,  III. 


"7" SO' 


I 


ANNOTATED  LISTS. 


10 


LIST  OF  STATIONS  IN   THE  PORCUPINE   MOUNTAINS. 

See  Fig.  3. 

Station  I.— Beach  of  Lake  Superior,  Sees.  11  and  12,  T.  51  N.,  R.  43  W. 
Station  II.— North  Slope  of  First  Range,  Sees.  11,  12,  13,  14,  15,  and  16, 
T.  51  N.,  R.  43.  W. 

Sub.  1. — Arbor  Vitae  Swamp  at  Foot  of  Slope,  Sees.  11  and  12. 

Sub.  2.— North  Slope,  Sees.  11,  12,  and  14. 

Sub.  3.— Clearing  in  the  Saddle,  Sec.  14. 

Sub.  4. — Aspen  Zone  about  Clearing,  Sec.  14. 

Sub.  5. — Aspen  Zone  at  Top  of  Ridge  bordering  the  Bare  Mountain 

Top,  Sees.  13,  14,  15,  21,  T.  51  N.,  R.  43  W. 

Station  III. — Top  of  the  First  Range  and  the  Southern  Escarpment, 
Sees.  13,  14,  15,  and  21,  T.  51  N.,  R.  43  W. 

Sub.  1.— West  Slope  of  the  Ridge  on  Sees.  13  and  14. 

Sub.  2.— Bare  Mountain  Top,  Sees.  13  and  14. 

Sub.  3. — Zone  of  Pines  crossing  the  First  Range,  Sees.  13  and  14. 

Sub.  4. — East  Slope  of  the  Ridge  on  Sees.  13  and  14. 

Sub.  5. — Mountain  Top  on  Sec.  14  and  15. 

Sub.  6.— Mountain  Top  on  Sec.  21. 

Station  IV.— Carp  River  Valley  on  Sees.  13,  14,  23,  and  24,  T.  51  N., 
R.  43  W. 

Sub.  1.— Carp  River,  Sees.  14  and  24. 

Sub.  2.— Flood-plain,  Sec.  14. 

Sub.  3.— Valley  Slopes,  Sees.  14  and  23. 

Sub.  4.— Peat  Bog,  Sec.  14,  23  and  24. 
Station  V.— Carp  Lake,  Sees.  15,  21  and  22,  T.  51  N.,  R.  43  W. 

Sub.  1.— Beach  at  West  End  of  Lake,  Sees.  21  and  22. 

Sub.  2.— Delta  at  East  End  of  Lake,  Sec.  22. 

Sub.  3.— Carp  Lake,  Sec.  22. 

Station  VI. — Mountains  between  the  Carp  and  Little  Carp  Drainage 
Systems,  Sees.  21,  22,  23,  27,  28,  and  34,  T.  51  N.,  R.  43  W. 

Station  VII.— Little  Carp  Drainage  System,  Sec.  2,  T.  50  N.,  R.  44  W., 
and  Sec.  34,  T.  51  N.,  R.  43  W. 

Sub.  1.— Little  Carp  Lake,  Sec.  2,  T.  50  N.,  R.  44  W. 

Sub.  2.— Beaver  Meadow  along  Little  Carp  River,  Sec.  34,  T.  51  N., 
R.  43  W. 

Sub.  3.— Little  Carp  River,  Sec.  34,  T.  51  N.,  R.  43  W. 

LIST    OF    STATIONS.   ON   ISLE   ROYALE. 

See  Fig.  21. 

Station  I. — Clearing  on  the  Shore  of  Washington  Harbor,  Sec.  29,  T. 
64  N.,  R.  38  W. 

Station  II.— Washington  River,  Sec.  29,  T.  64  N.,  R.  38  W. 

Station  III.— Trail  along  the  Top  of  Greenstone  Range,  T.  64  N.,  R.  38  W. 

Station  IV.— Washington  Creek,  Sees.  28  and  32,  T.  64  N.,  R.  38  W. 

Station  V.— Tamarack  Swamp,  Sec.  20,  T.  64  N.,  R.  38  W. 

Station  VI.— North  Slope  of  Greenstone  Range,  Sec.  32,  T.  64  N.,  R.  38  W. 

Station  VII.— Lake  Desor,  T.  64  N.,  R.  32  W. 

Station  VIII.— West  End  of  Siskowit  Bay,  T.  64  N.,  R.  32  W. 

Station  IX.— Southwestern  End  of  Minong  Trap  Range,  Sec.  30,  T.  64 
N.,  R.  39  W. 

Station  X.— Washington  Harbor,  T.  64  N.,  R.  38  W. 


NOTES  ON  THE  PLANTS  OF  THE  PORCUPINE  MOUNTAINS  AND 
ISLE  ROYALE,  MICHIGAN. 


A.    G.    RUTHVEN. 


This  list  has  been  prepared  from  the  collections  and  field  notes  of  Mr. 
N.  F.  Macduff,  and  the  field  notes  of  the  writer.  To  Mr.  Macduff,  who 
devoted  his  time  to  collecting  and  listing  the  plants,  many  of  the  determina- 
tions and  most  of  the  annotations  are  due.  The  writer  was  able  to  add 
many  localities  to  the  list  while  locating  the  different  stations.  We  are 
indebted  to  Dr.  C.  A.  Davis  and  Mr.  S.  Alexander  for  the  determination 
of  the  Pteridophytes  and  Spermatophytes  in  the  herbarium,  and  to  Prof. 
B.  Fink  for  the  determination  of  the  Lichens.  The  nomenclature  followed 
is  that  given  in  Britton's  "Manual  of  the  Flora  of  the  Northern  States  and 
Canada,"  (1901).  For  the  general  habitat  conditions  and  associations, 
reference  should  be  made  to  the  discussion  of  the  stations  on  pp.  22-40,  48- 
52. 

1.       PORCUPINE   MOUNTAINS.* 

Lichens 

1.  Amphiloma  (Pannaria)  languinosum  (Ach.)   Koerb.     Found  only  in 
shady  places  on  the  cliff  face,  III. 

2.  Biatora  lucida   (Ach.)   Fr.  Associated  with  Amphiloma  languinosum 
on  the  cliff  face,  III. 

3.  Cladonia  alpestris  (L.)  Rabenh.     Occurs  in  mats,  covering  the  talus 
blocks  toward  the  bottom  of  the  slopes  where  a  slight  soil  has  accumulated, 
III. 

4.  Cladonia  rangiferina   (L.)   Hoffm.     Abundant  on  the  lower  part  of 
the  talus  slopes  with  C.  alpestris,  also  on  ledges  of  the  cliff  that  possess  a 
slight  soil,  III,  and  in  the  pine  zone,  III.  3. 

5.  Endocarpum  miniatum  (L.)  Sch.     Covering  the  rocks  in  very  damp 
places  on  the  banks  of  Carp  creek,  VI. 

6.  Gyrophora   (Umbilicaria}   vellea   (L.)    Nyl.     Only  found  on  the  cliff 
face,  III. 

7.  Lecidea  lactea  Flk.     This  species  is  one  of  the  pioneer  forms  on  rock 
habitats  and  was  found  associated  with  Parmelia  conspersa  and  Lecanora 
cinerea  on  the  mountain  top,  cliff  face  and  talus  slopes,  III;  also  on  the 
Middle  Beach  of  Lake  Superior,  I. 

8.  Lecanora  conspersa.     With  Parmelia  conspersa  and  Lecidea  lactea  on 
ledges  on  the  cliff,  and  on  the  talus  slopes,  III.     Apparently  a  pioneer  form 
in  rock  habitats. 

9.'  Lecanora  cinerea   (L.)   Sommerf.     A  pioneer  form  in  rock  habitats, 

*A  list  of  plants  from  the  Porcupine  Mountains  was  published  by  W.  A.  Burt  in  1848.  Jackson, 
1st  Sess.  31st  Cong.,  Vol.  3,  pp.  876-882. 


76  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

occurring  on  the  Middle  Beach  of  Lake  Superior,  I,  and  on  the  mountain 
top,  cliff  and  talus  slopes,  III. 

10.  Parmelia  conspersa   (Ehrh.)   Ach.     This  is  the  most  characteristic 
form  on  rock  habitats  in  this  region.      It  occurs  abundantly  on  the  Middle 
Beach  of  Lake  Superior,  I,  and  on  the  mountain  top,  cliff,  and  talus  slopes, 
III. 

11.  Peltidea  (Peltigera)  aphthosa  (L.)  Ach.     Found  quite  commonly  on 
rocks  in  the  pine  zone,  III.  3,  and  with  the  Cladonias  near  the  bottom  of 
the  talus  slopes,  III. 

12.  Stereocaulon  coralloides  Fr.     On  the  mountain  top,  cliff,  and  talus 
slopes,  III. 

13.  Sticta  pulmonaria  (L.)  Schau.     Occasional  on  the  trunks  of  fallen 
tamarack  trees,   IV.   4. 

Ophioglossaceae  Presl.  Adder's-Tongue  Family. 

14.  Botrichium  virginianum  (L.)  Sw.     In  the  climax  forest,  II.  2,  IV. 
3,  VI. 

Osmundaceae  R.  Br. 

15.  Osmunda  cinnamomea  L.  Cinnamon  Fern.     Occasional  in  the  alder 
thickets  along  Carp  river,  IV.  2. 

16.  Osmunda  claytoniana  L.  Clayton's  Fern.     In  hardwood  forest,  II. 

2,  VI,  (Macduff). 

Polypodiaceae  R.  Br.  Fern  Family. 

17.  Polypodium  vulgare  L.     In  exposed  situations,  occurring  commonly 
on  the  Upper  Beach  of  Lake  Superior,  I;  on  the  bald  areas  on  the  mountain 
top,  III.  2,5,6;   in  the  aspen  zone,  II.  5,  and  III.  1,  4;   in  the  pine  zone,  III. 

3,  and  on  the  lower  parts  of  the  talus  slope. 

18.  Adiantum  pedatum  L.   Maiden-hair  Fern.     Common  in  the  meso- 
phytic  forest,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI. 

19.  Pteridium  aquilinum   (L.)    Kuhn.     Brake.     In  open  places  in  the 
forest,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI,  becoming  more  abundant  in  the  open  woods  toward 
the  top  of  the  ranges  and  on  the  foot  of  the  talus  slope.     Especially  abundant 
in  the  aspen  zone  bordering  the  mountain  top,  II.  5,  III.  1,  4.     Also  in  the 
pine  zone,  III.  3. 

20.  Asplenium   trichomanes   L.    Spleenwort.     In   rock   crevices   on   the 
mountain  top,  III.  2,  5,  6,  and  on  ledges  and  in  crannies  on  the  cliff  face,  III. 

21.  Polystichum    lonchitis    (L.)    Roth.     Holly-fern.      In    rock    crevices 
on  the  mountain  top,  III.  2,  5,  6;  on  ledges  on  the  cliff  face,  and  in  front 
of  the  forest  on  the  lower  part  of  the  talus  slopes,  III. 

22.  Dryopteris  spinulosa  (Retz)  Kuntze.     In  the  hardwood  forest,  II.  2. 
Common. 

23.  Onoclea  sensibilis  L.   Sensitive  Fern.     In  the  alder  thickets  along 
Carp  river,  IV.  2,  and  on  the  banks  of  Carp  creek,  VI. 

Equisetaceae  Michx.  Horsetail  Family. 

24.  Equisetum  sylvaticum  L.     In  the  forest  in  the  valley  of  Carp  river. 
IV.  3,  and  on  Government  Peak,  VI,  (Macduff). 

25.  Equisetum  littorale  Kuehl.     On  the  delta  of  Carp  river,  V.  2. 

26.  Equisetum  fluviatile  L.     On  the  submerged  part  of  the  delta  in  Carp 
Lake,  V.  2;  about  the  margin  of  Carp  Lake,  V.  1,  and  about  the.  margin  and 
on  the  delta  of  Little  Carp  Lake,  VII.  1. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  77 

27.  Equisetum  hyemale  L.     About  the  shores  of  Carp  Lake,  V.  1,  and 
on  the  delta,  V.  2. 

Lycopodiaceae  Michx.  Club-Moss  Family. 

28.  Lycopodium  selago  L.     Common  in  the  aspen  zone,  II.  5;  also  found 
in  the  pine  zone,  III.  3. 

29.  Lycopodium  lucidulum  Michx.     A  common  plant  in  the  ground  cover 
of  the  hardwood  forest,  II.  2;  VI. 

30.  Lycopodium  clavatum  L.  Running  Pine.     In  the  arbor  vitae  swamp, 

II.  1;  in  the  hardwood  forest,  II.  2,  and  in  the  aspen  zone,  II.  5,  III.  1,  4. 

31.  Lycopodium  complanatum  L.     Common  in  the  aspen  zone,   II.   5, 

III.  1,  4.     Often  extending  out  on  the  heath  mats. 

Pinaceae  Lindl.  Pine  Family. 

32.  Pinus  strobus  L.  White  Pine.     Large  isolated  trees  occur  through 
the  hardwood  forest,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI.     More  abundant  in  the  aspen  zone, 
II.  5.   Occurs  principally  as  a  scattered  growth  with  P.  resinosa  on  the  heath 
mats  on  the  mountain  top,  on  the  ledges  on  the  cliff  face,  and  on  the  talus 
slopes,  III,  forming  belts  of  denser  growth  where  the  cliff  face  is  broken 
by  large  ledges. 

33.  Pinus    resinosa    Ait.     Red    or    Norway    Pine.     Associated    about 
equally  with  P.  strobus  on  the  mountain  top,  cliff,  and  talus  slopes,  III. 
Not  present  in  the  hardwood  forest. 

34.  Pinus   divaricata    (Ait.)    Gord.     Labrador   or   Gray   Pine.     Several 
specimens  observed  on  the  heath  mat  on  the  mountain  top,  III.  5. 

85.  Larix  laricina  (Du  Roi)  Koch.  American  Larch.  Tamarack. 
Occasional  in  the  cassandra  and  alder  thickets  along  Carp  river,  IV.  2,  in 
the  broader  portions  of  the  flood-plain,  and  about  the  beaver  meadow  on 
Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2;  often  forming  in  the  last  two  habitats  a  zone 
with  Picea  canadensis  and  Abies  balsamea  between  the  alder  thickets  and  the 
deciduous  forest  of  the  slopes.  Predominates  in  peat  bogs,  forming  a  nearly 
pure  stand,  IV.  4. 

36.  Picea   canadensis    (Mill.)    B.    S.    P.     White   Spruce.     Occasional  in 
the  arbor  vitae  swamp,  II.  1;  in  the  tamarack  swamp,  IV.  4;  in  the  coniferous 
zone  behind  the  alder  thickets  in  the  valley  of  Carp  river,  IV,  and  about  the 
beaver  meadow  on  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

37.  Tsuga   canadensis    (L.)    Carr.    Hemlock.     This   tree   nearly   always 
forms  a  small  portion  of  the  tree  cover  in  the  hardwood  forest,  II.  2,  IV. 
3,  VI.     Occasionally,  as  at  the  foot  of  the  north  slope  of  the  first  range  and 
on  the  south  slope  of  the  second  range,   it  predominates,  forming  dense 
forests  with  little  underbrush. 

38.  Abies  balsamea  (L.)  Mill.  Balsam  Fir.     Widely  distributed,  occurring, 
but  never  predominating, in  the  climax  forest,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI.     It  also  occurs 
with  the  Spruce  and  Tamarack  in  the  coniferous  society  in  the  valley  of  Carp 
river,  IV.  2;  about  the  beaver  meadow  on  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2,  and  in 
the  tamarack,  IV.  4,  and  arbor  vitae  swamps,  II.  2;  being  more  abundant 
in  these  coniferous  societies. 

39.  Thuja  occidentalis  L.  White  Cedar.     Arbor  Vitae.     This  tree  occurs 
in  the  rock  crevices  on  the  Upper  Beach  of  Lake  Superior,  I;  occasionally 
on  the  cliff  face,  III,  and  about  the  margins  of  Carp,  V,  and  Little  Carp 
Lakes,  VII.     It  is  more  characteristic,  however,  of  the  swamp}'-  areas  at 
the  foot  of  the  north  slope,  II.  1,  and  in  the  river  valleys,  IV.  2,  where  it 
forms  a  dense  and  almost  impenetrable  growth. 


78  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

40.  Juniperus  nana  Willd.     Low  Jumper.     Characteristic  of  the  "bald" 
areas  of  the  mountain  top,  III.  1,  2,  4,  5,  6,  spreading  out  from  the  crevices 
as  circular  mats  over  the  rocks. 

Taxaceae  Lindl.     Yew  Family. 

41.  Taxus  canadensis  Marsh.     Ground  Hemlock.     Forms,  with  young 
Sugar  Maples,  the  principal  undergrowth  of  the  hardwood  forest,  II.  2, 

IV.  3,  VI. 

Naiadaceae  Lindl. 

42.  Potamogeton  natans   L.   Common  Floating  Pond-weed.     Occasional 
in  Carp  river,  IV.  1,  and  forms  a  well  denned  zone  in  shallow  water  about 
the  margin  of  Carp  Lake,  V.  1. 

Alismaceae  DC.  Water-Plantain  Family. 

43.  Sagittaria  sp.    Arrow-head.     Near  the  margin  of  the  water  on  the 
mud  flats,  IV.  1,  and  delta,  V.  2,  of  Carp  river. 

Vallisneriaceae  Dumort.     Tape-grass  Family. 

44.  Vallisneria  spiralis  L.    Tape-grass.      Forms  extensive  mats  in  the 
shallow  water  at  the  west  end  of  Cafp  Lake,  V.  1,  and  occasionally  about  the 
margin  of  Little  Carp  Lake,  VII.  1. 

Gramineae  Juss.     Grass  Family. 

45.  Panicum  xanthophysum  A.  Gray.     Slender  Panicum.     In  the  rock 
crevices  on  the  mountain  top,  III.  2,  5,  6. 

46.  Cinna  latifolia  (Trev.)  Griseb.     Occasional  in  the  hardwood  forest, 
II.  2,  IV.  3,  and  along  the  banks  of  Carp  creek,  VI. 

47.  Agrostis  hyemalis  (Walt.)  B.  S.  P.     Rough  Hair-grass.     On  the  delta 
of  Carp  river,  V.  2,  and  in  the  beaver  meadow  on  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

48.  Calamagrostis    canadensis    (Michx.)    Beauv.     Blue    Joint-grass.     In 
the  cassandra  zone,  on  the  dryer  parts  of  the  mud  flats,  IV.  2,  and  delta 

V.  2,  of  Carp  river,  and  in  the  beaver  meadow  on  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

49.  Deschampsia  flexuosa  (L.)  Trin.     Wavy  Hair-grass.     In  the  cassandra 
zone,  IV.  2,  and  on  the  delta,  V.  2,  of  Carp  river;  also  in  the  beaver  meadow, 
VII.  2,  on  Little  Carp  river. 

50.  Panicularia  canadensis  (Michx.)   Kuntze.     Rattlesnake-grass.     Cas- 
sandra zone,  IV.  2,  and  delta,  V.  2,  of  Carp  river;  also  in  the  beaver  meadow, 
VII.  2,  on  Little  Carp  river. 

Cyperaceae  J.  St.  Hil.  Sedge  Family. 

51.  Dulichium  arundinaceum  (L.)  Britton.     Dulichium.     Near  the  sub- 
merged margins  of  the  mud  flats  and  deltas  of  Carp  and  Little  Carp  rivers. 

52.  Scirpus  cyperinus  (L.)  Kunth.     Wool-grass.     In  the  cassandra  zone 
and  on  the  mud  flats,  IV.  2,  and  delta,  V.  2,  of  Carp  river;  and  on  the  mud 
flats  and  beaver  meadow  along  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2.     Also  along  the 
bank  of  Carp   creek,   VI. 

53.  Car  ex  monile  Tuckerm.     A  prominent  sedge  in  the  beaver  meadow 
on  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

54.  Carex  riparia  Curtis.     In  the  cassandra  zone  and  on  the  mud  flats, 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  79 

IV.  2,  and  delta,  V.  2,  of  Carp  river.  Also  about  the  shore  of  Carp  Lake,  V.  1. 
l&  55.  Carex  filiformis  L.  In  the  cassandra  zone,  on  the  mud  flats,  IV.  2, 
and  delta,  V.  2,  of  Carp  river;  and  in  the  beaver  meadow  and  on  the  mud 
flats  on  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

56.  Carex  crinita  Lam.     On  the  banks  of  Carp  creek,  VI. 

57.  Carex  viridula  Michx.     In  the  cassandra  zone  and  on  the  mud  flats 
IV.  2,  and  delta,  V.  2,  of  Carp  river;  and  in  the  beaver  meadow  and  on  the 
mud  flats  of  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

58.  'Carex  pubescens  Muhl.     Along  the  banks  of  Carp  Creek,  VI. 

Araceae  Neck.     Arum  Family. 

59.  Spathyema  foetida   (L.)    Raf.    Skunk   Cabbage.     Occasional  in  the 
alder  thickets  along  Carp  river,  IV.  2,  and  along  the  banks  of  Carp  Creek,  VI. 

Eriocaulaceae  Lindl.     Pipe  wort  Family. 

60.  Eriocaulon  septangulare  With.  Seven-angled  Pipewort.     Common  on 
the  shores  of  Carp  Lake,  V.  1. 

Juncaceae  Vent.  Rush  Family. 

61.  Juncus  effusus  L.  Bog  Rush.     Common  on  the  mud  flats,  IV.  2, 
and  delta  V.  2,  of  Carp  river.     Also  abundant  in  the  beaver  meadow  and 
on  the  mud  flats  on  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

62.  Juncus  tennis  Willd.     In  the  beaver  meadow  and  on  the  mud  flats 
of  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

63.  Juncus  canadensis  J.  Gay.      Canada  Rush.      In  shallow  water  about 
the  margin  of  Carp  Lake,  V,  and  Little  Carp  Lake,  VII.  1. 

Convallariaceae  Link.  Lily-of-the-valley  Family. 

64.  Clintonia  borealis    (Ait.)   Raf.      Yellow  Clintonia.     A  very  common 
form  in  the  hardwood  forests,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI. 

65.  Vdgnera  racemosa  (L.)  Morong.     Wild  Spikenard.     In  the  hardwood 
forest,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI. 

Iridaceae   Lindl.     Iris  Family. 

66.  Iris  versicolor  L.  Larger  Blue  Flag.     On  the  mud  flats  and  in  the 
cassandra  and  alder  thickets  along  Carp  river,  IV.  2;  also  in  the  beaver 
meadow  on  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2,  and  in  the  arbor  vitae  swamps,  II.  1. 

Orchidaceae  Orchid  Family. 

67.  Gyrostachys  cernua  (L.)  Kuntze.     Nodding  Ladies  Tresses.     On  the 
shores  of  Carji  Lake,  V.  1 ;  on  the  delta,  V.  2,  and  occasionally  in  the  cassandra 
zones  on  Carp  river,  IV.  2.     Also  in  the  beaver  meadow  on  Little  Carp  river 
VII.  2. 

68.  Peramium  pubescens  (Willd.)  Mac  M.     Downy  Rattlesnake  Plantain. 
Generally  distributed  through  the  hardwood  forest,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI;  also 
occurring  in  the  tamarack  swamp,  IV.  4. 

Salicaceae  Lindl.     Willow  Family. 

69.  Populus  grandidentata  Michx.  Large-toothed  Aspen.     In  the  hard- 
wood forest  bordering  the  beach  of  Lake  Superior,  I,  the  clearing,  II.  2,  and 


80  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

mountain  top,  II.  5,  III.  1  and  4.     Also  on  the  lower  part  of  the  talus  slope, 
III,  and  in  burnings. 

70.  Populus    tremuloides    Michx.     American    or    Quaking    Aspen.     The 
principal  form  of  the  forest  bordering  open  localities;  adjoins  the  beach  of 
Lake  Superior,  I,  the  clearing,  II.  4,  and  the  mountain  top,  II.  5,  III.  1  and 
4.     Also  conspicious  on  the  lower  part  of  the  talus  slopes,  III,  and  in  burnings, 
VI. 

71.  Salix  spp.    Willow.      A  number  of  willows  occur  in  the  alder  and 
cassandra  zones  along  Carp  river,  IV.  2;  in  the  beaver  meadow  on  Little 
Carp  river,  VII.  2,  and  in  the  aspen  zone  on  the  mountain  top,  II.  5. 

Myricaceae  Dumort.     Bayberry  Family. 

72.  Myrica  cerifera  L.  Wax-myrtle.     In  the  cassandra  zone  along  Carp 
river,  IV.  2. 

Betulaceae  Agardh.     Birch  Family. 

73.  Ostrya    virginiana    (Mill.)    Willd.     Iron-wood.     Occasional    in    the 
hardwood  forest,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI. 

74.  Corylus   rostrata   Ait.     Beaked    Hazel-nut.     In   the    woods    on   the 
lower  part  of  the  talus  slopes,  IV.  3;  pushing  out  beyond  the  forest  with 
the  birches  and  often  extending  well  up  the  slope,  III. 

75.  Betula  papyrifera  Marsh.     Paper  or  Canoe  Birch.     Throughout  the 
climax  forest,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI.     Also  a  prominent  form  on  the  lower  part 
of  the  talus  slopes,  IV.  3. 

76.  Betula  lutea  Michx.     Yellow  Birch.     Occasional  through  the  forest 
II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI.     More  conspicious  in  the  hemlock  forests. 

77.  Betula    glandulosa    Michx.     Glandular    or    Scrub    Birch.     Common 
about  the  margin  of  the  beaver  meadow,  VII.  2;  with  Alnus  incana  and 
several  willows  encroaching  on  the  meadow. 

78.  Alnus  alnobetula  (Ehrh.)  K.  Koch.     Green  or  Mountain  Alder.     A 
few  shrubs  occur  in  the  aspen  zone  bordering  the  mountain  top,  III.  5. 

79.  Alnus  incana  (L.)  Willd.     Speckled  or  Hoary  Alder.     Nearly  always 
present  along  streams,  forming  dense  thickets.     Along  Carp  river,  IV.  2, 
between  the  cassandra  and  coniferous  zones  on  wide  parts  of  the  flood-plain, 
and  between  the  river  and  the  -forest  where  the  flood-plain  is  narrow.     Where 
a  cassandra  zone  is  present,  there  is  nearly  always  a  narrow  strip  of  alders 
along  the  natural  levees,  separating  the  cassandra  zone  from  the  river.     Also 
common  about  Carp  Lake,  V.  1;  Little  Carp  Lake,  VII.  1,  and  the  beaver 
meadow,  VII.  2. 

Fagaceae  Drude.     Beech  Family. 

80.  Quercus  rubra  L.  Red  Oak.     A  prominent  form  in  the  aspen  zone, 
II.  5,  III.  1,  4,  bordering  the  mountain  top.     Also  on  the  fine  material  at 
the  top  of  the  talus  slope  and  on  the  ledges  on  the  cliff  face,  III. 

81.  Quercus  macrocarpa  Michx.  Burr  Oak.     In  the  aspen  zone,  II.  5, 
bordering  the  mountain  top. 

Nymphaeaceae  DC.     Water-lily  Family. 

82.  Nymphaea   advena   Soland.     Large   Yellow   Pond    Lily.     Abundant 
in  Carp  river,  IV.  1,  and  near  the  margin  of  Carp  Lake,  V.  3. 

83.  Castalia  odorata  (Dryand.)  Woodv.  and  Wood.     Sweet-scented  White 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  81 

Water  Lily.     Several  specimens  were  found  in  Carp  river,  IV.  1,  which  was 
the  only  locality  in  which  it   was  observed. 

Ranunculaceae  Juss.     Crowfoot  Family. 

84.  Caltha   palustris   L.   Marsh-marigold.     In  the   alder  thickets   along 
Carp  river,  IV.  2;  also  common  on  the  banks  of  Carp  creek,  VI. 

85.  Coptis  trifolia   (L.)      Salisb.     Gold-thread.     Common  in  the  hard- 
wood forest,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI,  and  in  the  tamarack  swamp,  IV.  4. 

Sarraceniaceae  LaPyl.     Pitcher-Plant  Family. 

86.  Sarracenia   purpurea    L.    Pitcher-plant.     Found    commonly   in   the 
peat  bog,  IV.  4,  and  on  a  Sphagnum  growth  in  the  beaver  meadow,  VII.  2. 
Not  observed  elsewhere. 

Rosaceae  B.  Juss.     Rose  Family. 

87.  Opulaster  opulifolius  (L.)  Kuntze.     Eastern  Ninebark.     Upper  Beach 
of  Lake  Superior,  I;  in  the  aspen  zone  bordering  the  mountain  top,  II.  5, 
and  on  the  rocky  bluff  at  the  east  end  of  Little  Carp  Lake,  VII. 

88.  Spiraea  salicifolia  L.  American  Meadow-sweet.     In  the  cassandra 
zone  on  Carp  river,  IV.  2,  and  about  the  margin  of  the  beaver  meadow  on 
Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

89.  Rubus  parviflorus  Nutt.  White-flowering  Raspberry.     In  the  aspen 
zone  about  the  clearing,  II.  4,  and  mountain  top,  II.  5;  in  the  open  woods 
near  the  top  of  the  slope,  II.  2,  and  in  burnings,  VI.     Very  common  in 
exposed   situations.     Locally   known   as   the   Thimbleberry 

90.  Rubus  strigosus  Michx.     Wild  Red  Raspberry.     On  the  Upper  Beach 
of  Lake  Superior,  I;  in  the  aspen  zone  about  the  clearing,  II.  4,  and  on  the 
mountain  top,  II.  5.     Also  at  the  foot  of  the  talus  slopes,  III. 

91.  Rubus   nigrobaccus   Bailey.     High    Bush    Blackberry.     Frequent   in 
the  cassandra  zone,  IV.  2,  especially  near  the  margin  of  the  alder  thickets. 

92.  Rubus  hispidus  L.     Running  Swamp  Blackberry.     Common  in  the 
cassandra  zone  on  Carp  river,  IV.  2,  and  in  the  beaver  meadow,  VII.  2. 

93.  Comarum  palustre    L.  Marsh    Cinquefoil.       In  the  cassandra  zone, 
IV.  2,  and  on  the  delta  of  Carp  river,  V.  2,  and  in  the  beaver  meadow  on 
Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

94.  Dasiphora  fruticosa-  (L.)  Rydb.     In  the  cassandra  zone,  IV.   2,  and 
on  the  delta,  V.  2. 

94a.     Potentilla  argentea  L.  Silvery  Cinquefoil.      In  rock  crevices  on  the 
Middle  and  Upper  Beaches  of  Lake  Superior,  I. 

95.  Sibbaldiopsis     tridentata    (Soland.)      Rydb.      Common,  in  the  rock 
crevices  on  the  mountain  top  and  on  the  cliff  face,  and  among  the  rocks  on 
talus  slopes,  III. 

Pomaceae  L.     Apple  Family. 

96.  Sorbus  americana  Marsh.     American  Mountain  Ash.     Common  on 
the  Upper  Beach  of  Lake  Superior,  I,  and  at  the  foot  of  the  talus  slopes, 
III.     Also  occurs  on  the  rocky  bluff  at  the  east  end  of  Little  Carp  Lake. 

97.  Aronia  nigra  (Willd.)  Britton.     Black  Chokeberry.     Occasional  on 
_the  lower  part  of  the  talus  slopes,  III. 

98.  Amelanchier   canadensis    (L.)    Medic.   Juneberry.     Common   on  the 
Upper  Beach  of  Lake  Superior,  I;  in  the  aspen  zone  bordering  the  mountain 

11 


82  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

top,  II.  5,  III.  1,  4;  on  the  ledges  of  the  cliff;  at  the  bottom  and  top  of  the 
talus  slopes,  III,  and  in  the  tamarack  swamp,  IV.  4. 

99.  Crataegus  sp.    Thorn-apple.     Occasional  on  the  cliff  face  and  on  the 
fine  material  at  the  top  of  the  talus  slopes,  III. 

Drupaceae  DC.     Plum  Family. 

100.  Prunus  pumila  L.  Dwarf  Cherry.     On  the  Upper  Beach  of  Lake 
Superior,  I,  and  in  burnings,  VI. 

101.  Prunus  pennsylvanica  L.  f.    Wild  Red  Cherry.     Common  on  the 
lower  parts  of  the  talus  slopes  and  on  the  finer  material  at  the  top,  III, 
Also  occurs  on  the  ledges  of  the  cliff,  III,  and  in  burnings,  VI. 

Papilionaceae  L.     Pea  Family. 

102.  Lathyrus  maritimus  (L.)  Bigel.      Beach  Pea.     Upper  and  Middle 
Beaches  of  Lake  Superior,  I. 

103.  Lathyrus     ochroleucus     Hook.     Cream-colored     Vetchling.     Upper 
Beach  of  Lake  Superior,  I. 

Anacardiaceae  Lindl.     Sumac  Family. 

104.  Rhus  glabra  L.  Scarlet  Sumac.     In  the  aspen  zone  about  the  clearing, 
II.  4,  and  mountain  top,  II.  5.     Also  scattered  over  the  talus  slopes,  III. 

105.  Rhus  microcarpa  (Michx.)  Steud.     Northern  Poison  Oak.     On  the 
talus  slopes  and  cliff  face,  III. 

Aceraceae  St.   Hil.     Maple  Family. 

106.  Acer   saccharum   Marsh.     Sugar   or   Rock    Maple.     The    principal 
forest  tree  of  the  region,  forming,  with  a  small  portion  of  Balsam  Fir,  Bass- 
wood  and  Hemlock,  the  climax  forest  of  the  region,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI. 

107.  Acer  spicatum  Lam.  Mountain  Maple.     Occurs  as  a  scattered  under- 
growth in  the  hardwood  forest,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI;  becoming  more  abundant 
in  the  open  woods  toward  the  talus  slopes,  III,  mountain  top,  II.  5,  and 
beach  of  Lake  Superior,  I. 

Rhamnaceae  Dumort.     Buckthorn  Family. 

108.  Ceanothus  americanus  L.  New  Jersey  Tea.     A  prominent  plant  in 
the  heath  society  on  the  mountain  top,  III.  2,  5,  6,  and  at  the  foot  of  the 
talus  slope.     Also  occurs  on  the  finer  material  at  the  top  of  the  talus  slope 
and  on  ledges  of  the  cliff. 

Vitaceae  Lindl.     Grape  Family. 

109.  Parthenocissus  quinquefolia  (L.)  Planch.     Virginia  Creeper.     Occas- 
ional on  the  talus  slopes  and  cliff  face,  III. 

Tiliaceae  Juss.     Linden  Family. 

110.  Tilia  americana  L.  Basswood.     Occasional  in  the  hardwood  forest, 
II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI. 


ECOLOGY    OP    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  83 

Hypericaceae  Lindl.     St.  Johns-wort  Family. 

111.  Hypericum  ellipticum  Hook.     Pale  St.  Johns- wort.     On 'the  delta, 
V.  2,  and  in  the  cassandra  zone,  IV.  2,  on  Carp  river;  and  in  the  beaver 
meadow  on  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

Violaceae  DC.     Violet  Family. 

112.  Viola  spp.       A  number  of  species  of  violets  occur  in  the  forest, 
II,  2,  IV.  3,  VI.,  and  in  the  alder  thickets,  IV.  2. 

Eleagnaceae  Lindl.     Oleaster  Family. 

113.  Lepargyraea    canadensis     (L.)     Greene.     Canadian     Buffalo-berry. 
Upper  Beach  of  Lake  Superior,  I. 

Onagraceae  Dumort.       Evening-primrose  Family. 

114.  Chamaenerion  angustifolium  (L.)  Scop.  Fire-weed.     In  the  clearing, 
II.  3,  at  the  foot  of  the  talus  slopes,  III,  and  almost  universally  in  burn- 
ings, VI. 

115.  Onagra  biennis  (L.)  Scop.  Common  Evening-primrose.     In  the  rock 
crevices  on  the  mountain  top,  III.  2,  5,  6.     Also  on  ledges  on  the  cliff  face. 

Haloragidaceae  Kl.  and  Garke.     Water-milfoil  Family. 

116.  Myriophyllum  sp.     Water-milfoil.     The  common  aquatic  plant  in 
Carp  river,  IV.  1,  Carp  Lake,  V.  3,  and  Little  Carp  Lake,  VII.  1. 

Araliaceae  Vent.     Ginseng  Family. 

117.  Aralia  nudicaulis  L.  Wild  Sarsaparilla.     Common  throughout  the 
forest,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI. 

Umbelliferae  B.  Juss.     Carrot  Family. 

118.  Heracleum  lanatum  Michx.     Cow-parsnip.     Common  in  the  clear- 
ing, II.  3. 

Cornaceae  Link.     Dogwood  Family. 

119.  Cornus  canadensis  L.  Low  or  Dwarf  Cornel.     Generally  distributed, 
occurring  in  the  hardwood  forest,  II.  2,  VI;  in  the  aspen  zone,  II.  5,  and 
extending,  to  some  extent,  on  the  heath  mat  beyond  the  aspen  zone  on  the 
mountain  top,  III.  2,  3,  5,  6.     Also  common  in  the  tamarack  swamp,  IV.  4. 

120.  Cornus  circinata  L'Her.  Round-leaved  Dogwood.     Common  in  the 
aspen  zone,  II.   5,  about  the  mountain  top;  and  at  the  bottom  and  top  of 
the  talus  slopes,  III. 

121.  Cornus    stolonifera    Michx.     Red-osier    Dogwood.     Quite    common 
in  the  alder  zone  along  Carp  river,  IV.  2,  Carp  Lake  V.  1,  Little  Carp  Lake, 
VII.  1,  and  in  the  beaver  meadow  on  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

Pyrolaceae  Agardth.     Wintergreen  Family. 

122.  Chimaphila  umbellata  (L.)  Nutt.  Pipsissewa.     Prince's  Pine.     Occas- 
ionally in  the  hardwood  forest,  II.  2,  and  in  the  pine  zone,  III.  3. 


84  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

Monotropaceae  Lindl.     Indian-pipe  Family. 

123.  Monotropa  uniflora  L.  Indian-pipe.      In  damp  shady  places  in  the 
climax  forest,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI. 

Ericaceae  DC.     Heath  Family. 

124.  Ledum  groenlandicum       OEder.     Labrador  Tea.     Common  in  the 
tamarack  swamp,  IV.  4. 

125.  Chamaedaphne  calyculata  (L.)  Moench.     Dwarf  Cassandra.     Form- 
ing dense  thickets  in  the  wider  parts  of  the  flood-plain  of  Carp  river,  IV.  2. 
Also  present,  but  not  forming  extensive  thickets,  about  the  beaver  meadow 
on  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

126.  Epigaea   repens    L.    Trailing   Arbutus.     Occasionally   seen   in   the 
pine  zone  on  the  mountain  top,  III.  3. 

127.  Gaultheria  procumbens  L.  Creeping  Wintergreen.     A  common  plant 
in  the  undergrowth  of  the  aspen  zone,  II.  5,  III.  1  and  4,   and  in  the  heath 
mats  on  the  bald  areas,  III.  2,  5,  6. 

128.  Arctostaphylos  uva-ursi    (L.)  Spreng.     Red  Bearberry.     The  prin- 
cipal heath  plant  in  the  aspen  zone,  II.  5,  III.  1,  4,  and  in  the  mats  on  the 
mountain  top,  III.  2,  5,  6.     Also  occurs  on  ledges  of  the  cliff,  at  the  bottom 
and  top  of  the  talus  slope§,  III,  and  on  the  Upper  Beach  of  Lake  Superior,  I. 

Vacciniaceae  Lindl.     Huckleberry  Family. 

129.  Vaccinium  uliginosum  L.  Great  Bilberry.     Upper  Beach  of  Lake 
Superior,  I,  and  in  the  aspen  zone  on  the  mountain  top,  II.  5. 

130.  Vaccinium   canadense   Richards.     Canada  Blueberry.     In    a   moist 
ravine  through  the  hardwood  forest  in  the  valley  of  Carp  river,  IV.  3,  and  in 
the  tamarack  swamp,  IV.  4.  » 

131.  Vaccinium  pennsylvanicum  Lam.   Dwarf  or  Low-bush  Blueberry. 
A  prominent  form  in  the  undergrowth  of  the  aspen  zone  surrounding  the 
mountain  top,  II.  5,  and  in  the  heath  mat  on  the  bald  areas,  III.  2,  5,  6. 
Also  on  ledges  on  the  cliff  face,  at  the  top  and  bottom  of  the  talus  slopes,  III, 
and  on  the  Upper  Beach  of  Lake  Superior,  I. 

132.  Vaccinium  nigrum  (Wood)  Britton.     Low  Black  Blueberry.     Asso- 
ciated with  V.  pennsylvanicum  in  the  aspen  zone  on  the  mountain  top,  II.  5, 
III.  1,  4;  on  the  bare  top,  III.  2,  5,  6;  on  ledges  on  the  cliff  face,  and  on  the 
talus    slopes,     III. 

132.     Chiogenes  hispidula  (L.)  T.  and  G.     Creeping  Snowberry.     Common 
in  the  tamarack  swamp,  IV.  4. 

Oleaceae  Lindl.     Olive  Family. 

134.  Fraxinus  americana  L.  White  Ash.     Occasional  in  the  tamarack 
swamp,  IV.  4;  with  the  conifers  and  alders  in  broad  portions  of  the  flood 
plain  of  Carp  river,  IV.  2,  and  about  the  beaver  meadow,  VII.  2. 

135.  Fraxinus  nigra  Marsh.     Black  Ash.     Associated  with  F.  americana. 

Asdepiadaceae  Lindl.     Milkweed  Family. 

136.  Asclepias  incarnata  L.  Swamp  Milkweed.     Occasional  in  the  cas- 
sandra  zone,  IV.  2,  and  on  the  delta,  V.  2,  of  Carp  river.     Also  in  the  beaver 
meadow  on  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  85 

Labiatae  B.  Juss.     Mint  Family. 

137.  Scutellaria  sp.     Skullcap.     An  unidentified  species  of  this  genus 
occurs  commonly  in  the  alder  thickets  along  Carp  river,  IV.  2,  and  along 
Carp  creek,  VI. 

Scrophulariaceae  Lindl.     Figwort  Family. 

138.  Melampyrum    lineare    Lam.     Narrow-leaved    Cow- wheat.     In    the 
aspen  zone  bordering  the  mountain  top,  II.  5,  III.  1,  4. 

Lentibulariaceae  Lindl.  Bladder  wort  Family. 

139.  Utricularia  cornuta  Michx.     Horned  Bladderwort.     On  the  beach 
of  Carp  Lake,  V.  1. 

Rubiaceae  B.  Juss.     Madder  Family. 

140.  Galium   triflorum    Michx.     Sweet-scented    or    Fragrant    Bedstraw. 
Common  in  the  more  open  woods  near  the  top  of  the  first  ridge,  II.  2. 

Capri 'foliaceae  Vent.     Honeysuckle  Family. 

141.  Viburnum  opulus  L.   High  Bush-cranberry.     Along  the  banks  of 
Carp  river,  IV.  2,  and  about  the  shores  of  Little  Carp  Lake,  VII.  1. 

142.  Viburnum  pauciflorum  Pylaie.     Few-flowered  Cranberry-tree.     On 
Carp  river  in  the  cassandra  zone,  IV.  2,  and  tamarack  swamp,  IV.  4;  also 
about  the  shores  of  Little  Carp  Lake,  VII.  1. 

143.  Linnaea  americana    Forbes.     American    Twin-flower.     Of    general 
distribution  throughout  the  hardwood  forest,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI;  becoming  more 
abundant  toward  the  top  of  the  slopes  and  in  the  aspen  zone  bordering  the 
mountain  top,  II.  5. 

144.  Symphoricarpos   pauciflorus    (Robbins)    Britton.     Low   Snowberry. 
In  the  aspen  zone  bordering  the  mountain  top,  II.  5,  III.  1,  4. 

145.  Lonicera    oblongifolm    (Goldie)    Hook.     Swamp    Fly-Honeysuckle. 
In  the  shrub  zone  of  the  tamarack  swramp,  IV.  4. 

146.  Lonicera  ciliata  Muhl.     American  Fly  Honeysuckle.     In  the  hard- 
wood forest,  II.  2,  and  VI. 

147.  Diervilla  diervilla   (L:)   Mac   M.   Bush  Honeysuckle.     Common  in 
the  aspen  zone  bordering  the  clearing,  II.  4,  and  mountain  top,  II.  5,  III. 
1,  4.     Also  occurs  on  the  lower  part  of  the  talus  slopes,  III. 

Campanulaceae  Juss.     Bell-flower  Family. 

148.  Campanula  rotundifolia  L.  Harebell.     In  the  rock  crevices  of  the 
Middle  and  Upper  Beaches  of  Lake  Superior,  I,  and  mountain  top,  III.  2, 
5,  6.     Occasional  on  ledges  of  the  cliff  and  on  the  talus  slopes,  III. 

149.  Campanula    aparinoides    Pursh.     Marsh    Bellflower.     In    the    cas- 
sandra zone,  IV.  2,  and  on  the  delta,  V.  2,  of  Carp  river;  and  in  the  beaver 
meadow  on  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

150.  Lobelia  spicata  Lam.     Pale  Spiked  Lobelia.      In  the  rock  crevices 
of  the  Middle  Beach,  and  on  the  thin  soil  on  the  L'pper  Beach  of  Lake 
Superior,  I. 


86  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

Compositae  Adans.      Thistle  Family. 

151.  Eupatorium  purpureum  L.  Joe-pye-weed.     In  the  cassandra  zone 
IV.  2,  and  on  the  delta,  V.  2,  of  Carp  river;  and  in  the  beaver  meadow  on 
Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

152.  Solidago  bicolor  L.   White  Goldenrod.     In  the  rock  crevices  and 
on  the  thin  soil  of  the  mountain  top,  III.  2,  5,  6. 

153.  Solidago   erecta   Pursh.     Slender   Goldenrod.      In  the    crevices    on 
the  bare  mountain  top,  III.  2,  5,  6.     The  specimens  collected,  according 
to  Dr.  C.  A.  Davis,  are  not  typical  but  are  nearest  to  this  form. 

154.  Solidago  uliginosa  Nutt.    Bog  Goldenrod.    Common  in  the  cassandra 
zone,  IV.  2,  and  on  the  delta,  V.  2,  of  Carp  river,  and  in  the  beaver  meadow 
of  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

155.  Solidago  neglecta  T.  and  G.  Swamp  Goldenrod.     Middle  and  Upper 
Beaches  of  Lake  Superior,  I,  and  in  the  beaver  meadow  on    Little   Carp 
river,    VII.    2. 

156.  Solidago  juncea  Ait.    Early  or  Sharp-toothed  Goldenrod.    Common 
in  the  aspen  zone,  II.  5,  and  on  the  bare  mountain  top,  III.  1,  2,  4,  5,  6. 

157.  Euthamia    gramini folia    (L.)    Nutt.     Associated    with    S.    juncea, 
II.  5,  III.  1,  2,  4,  5,  6. 

158.  Aster  divaricatus  L.   White  Wood  Aster.     Apparently  of  general 
distribution  in  the  hardwood  forest,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI. 

159.  Aster  macrophyllus   L.    Large-leaved  Aster.     Occasional   in   damp 
shady  woods,  II.  2,  IV.  3,  VI. 

fr-  160.     Artemisia  caudata  Michx.     Tall  or  Wild  Wormwood.     Occasional 
in  the  aspen  zone  surrounding  the  mountain  top,  II.  5,  III.  1,  4. 

2.      ISLE   ROYALE. 

Polypodiaceae  R.  Br.     Fern  Family. 

1.  Polypodium  vulgare  L.     In  the  rock  crevices  on  the  end  of  the  Minong 
Trap  Range,  IX,  and  in  the  rock  crevices  and  on  the  shingle  beach  at  Siskowit 
Bay,  VIII. 

2.  Adiantum  pedatum  L.  Maiden-hair  Fern.     Occasional  in  the  Balsam 
Fir  and  Spruce  woods,  VI. 

3.  Pteridium  aquilinum   (L.)   Kuhn.   Brake.      In  the  coniferous  forest 
on  the  north  side  of  the  Greenstone  Range  near  the  shore  of  Lake  Desor. 
Also  about  the  margin  of  the  clearing,  I. 

4.  Phegopteris  phegopteris  (L.)  Under w.     On  the  shores  of  Siskowit  Bay, 
VIII. 

Equisetaceae  Michx.     Horsetail  Family. 

5.  Equisetum  arvense  L.     On  the  shore  of  Siskowit  Bay,  VIII,  and  on 
the  shores  of  the  islands  in  Lake  Desor,  VII. 

Lycopodiaceae  Michx.     Club-moss  Family. 

6.  Lycopodium  obscurum  L.  Ground  Pine.     In  the  tamarack  and  spruce 
woods  jn  the  valley  of  Washington  river,  II. 

7.  Lycopodium  annotinum  L.     On  the  beach  at  Grace  Harbor;  with  the 
heaths  on  the  Minong  Trap  Range,  IX,  and  in  the  coniferous  forest,  VI. 

8.  Lycopodium  clavatum  L.  Running  Pine.     In  the  coniferous  and  de- 
ciduous forests,  VI,  and  III;  on  the  beach  at  Grace  Harbor,  and  on  the 
Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  87 

9.     Lycopodium  complanatum  L.     In  the  alder  thickets  along  Washington 
river,  II.  and  with  the  heaths  on  the  Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX. 

Isoetaceae  Underw.     Quillwort  Family. 

*    10.     Isoetes  sp.      Among  the  rocks  in  shallow  water  about  the  islands  in 
Lake  Desor,  VII. 

Pinaceae  Lindl.     Pine  Family. 

11.  Pinus  strobus  L.  White  Pine.     Large  isolated  trees  occur  scattered 
through  the  forest,  III,  and  VI.     Young  trees  occur  on  the  jutting  promon- 
tories on  the  southwestern  end  of  the  island,  IX.     A  few  trees  also  occur 
with  P.  resinosa  on  a  small  strip  of  rock  beach  on  the  north  shore  of  Lake 
Desor,  VII. 

12.  Pinus  resinosa  Ait.     Norway  or  Red  Pine.     Large  trees  occur  occas- 
ionally in  the  coniferous  forest  on  exposed  slopes,  VI.     A  few  trees  were 
also  found  on  the  rocky  promontory,  IX,  and  with  P.  strobus  on  a  small 
strip  of  exposed  beach  on  the  north  shore  of  Lake  Desor,  VII. 

13.  Larix    laricina    (Du    Roi)    Koch.     Tamarack.     Occurs    along    the 
flood-plains  of  the  streams,  where  the  valleys  are  broad,  II,  IV.     It  becomes 
more  abundant  in  bogs,  forming  a  nearly  pure  stand,  V.     Also  occurs  occas- 
ionally in  the  old  beach  pools  on  the  Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX. 

14.  Picea  canadensis   (Mill.)    B.   S.   P.     White  Spruce.     Generally  dis- 
tributed.    It  occurs  with  the  Tamarack  and  Black  Spruce  on  the  flood- 
plains,  II,  IV,  and  forms  an  important  part  of  the  coniferous  forest  of  the 
slopes,  VI,  but  becomes  less  abundant  toward  the  top  of  the  higher  ridges, 
III.     With  the  Balsam  Fir  and  Paper  Birch,  it  succeeds  the  heaths  and 
Arbor  Vitae  on  the  rocky  promontories,  IX. 

15.  Picea  mariana  (Mill.)  B.  S.  P.     Black  Spruce.     This  tree  is  associated 
with  the  Tamarack  and  White  Spruce  on  the  flood-plains  of  the  streams, 
II,  IV.     It  also  occurs  occasionally  in  the  old  pools  on  the  Minong  Trap 
promontory,  IX. 

16.  Abies  balsamea  (L.)  Mill.     Balsam  Fir.     This  tree  is  generally  dis- 
tributed, occurring  in  the  river  valleys,  II,  IV,  and  on  the  ridges,  III,  VI. 
It  apparently  forms,  with  the  White  and  Yellow  Birch  and  White  Spruce, 
the  principle  forest  of  the  island. 

17.  Thuja   occidentalis    L.    White    Cedar.     Arbor   Vitae.     This   tree   is 
most  abundant  in  the  valleys  along  streams,  IV,  where  it  occasionally  forms 
dense  growths.     It  is  also  found,  however,  on  the  shores  of   Lake   Desor, 
VII,  and  about  Washington  Harbor,  X;  while  on  the  Minong  Trap  promon- 
tory, IX,  it  is  the  first  tree  to  gain  a  foothold,  and  may  be  seen  growing  in  the 
crevices,  nearly  prostrate  on  the  rock. 

18.  Juniperus  nana  Willd.     Low  Juniper.     Common  on  the  rock  surfaces, 
of  the  Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX. 

Taxaceae  Lindl.     Yew  Family. 

19.  Taxus  canadensis   Marsh.     Ground  Hemlock.     This  is  one  of  the 
most  characteristic  forms  of  the  Isle  Royale  forest.     It  forms  a  dense  and 
almost  impenetrable  undergrowth  throughout  the  coniferous  woods,   VI, 
but  it  is  not  as  abundant  in  the  flood-plain  societies,  II,  IV.     In  the  bogs 

-  it  may  be  nearly  or  entirely  wanting,  and  in  the  deciduous  forest  along  the 
top  of  the  Greenstone  Range,  III,  it  is  often  replaced  over  small  areas  by 
Cory  I  us  rostrata. 


88  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

Sparganiaceae  Agardh.     Bur-reed  Family. 

20.  Sparganium  eurycarpum  Engelm.      In  the  margin  of  Washington 
river  near  its  mouth,  II,  and  about  the  shores  of  Lake  Desor,  VII. 

Gramineae  Juss.     Grass  Family. 

21.  Phragmites  phragmites   (L.)   Karst.     Reed.      Along  the    margin  of 
Washington  river  near  its  mouth,  II,  and  about  the  shores  of  Lake  Desor,  VII. 

Cyperaceae  J.  St.  Hil.     Sedge  Family. 

22.  Carex  intumescens  Rudge.     Along  Washington  river,  II. 

23.  Carex  retrorsa  Schwein.     Along  Washington  river,  II. 

24.  Carex  trisperma  Dewey.     Along  Washington  river,  II. 

25.  Carex  tribuloides  Wahl.     Along  Washington  river,  II. 

Araceae  Neck.     Arum  Family. 

26.  Spathyema  foetida   (L.)   Raf.     Skunk  Cabbage.     In  alder  thickets, 
along  Washington  river,  II,  and  Washington  creek,  IV. 

Juncaceae  Vent.     Rush  Family. 

27.  Juncus  effusus  L.     Soft  or  Bog  Rush.     Along  the  shore  of  Washing- 
ton river,  II. 

Convallariaceae  Link.  Lily-of-the- Valley  Family. 

28.  Clintonia  borealis  (Ait.)  Raf.     In  the  forests  on  the  flood-plain  of 
Washington  river,  II,  and  on  the  adjacent  ridges,  III,  VI. 

29.  Vagnera   racemosa  (L.)    Morong.     Wild    Spikenard.     In   the    alder 
thicket  near  the  mouth  of  Washington  creek,  IV. 

30.  Vagnera  trifolia  (L.)  Morong.     Three-leaved  Solomon's  Seal.     Found 
commonly  in  the  alder  thickets  along  Washington  river,  II,  and  Washington 
creek,  IV. 

31.  Streptopus  amplexifolius  (L.)  DC.     In  the  alder  thicket  along  Wash- 
ington creek,  IV. 

32.  Salomonia  biflora  (Walt.)  Britton.     Hairy  Solomon's  Seal.     In  moist 
places  in  the  coniferous  forest,  VI. 

Iridaceae  Lindl.     Iris  Family. 

33.  Iris  versicolor  L.  Large  Blue  Flag.     In  low  places  about  the  shores 
of  Lake  Desor  and  on  the  smaller  islands,  VII. 

Orchidaceae  Lindl.     Orchid  Family. 

34.  Listera  convallarioides  (Sw.)  Torr.     On  the  shores  of  Siskowit  Bay, 
VIII,  and  Grace  Harbor. 

35.  Peramium  pubescens  (Willd.)  MacM.     Downy  Rattlesnake  Plantain. 
Common  in  the  coniferous  forest,  VI. 

Salicaceae  Lindl.     Willow  Family. 

36.  Populus  grandidentata  Michx.     Large-toothed  Aspen.     In  burnings 
and  on  the  margin  of  clearings.     Found  in  the  large  clearings  at  Siskowit 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  89 

Bay,  VIII,  and  Washington  Harbor,  I;  and  on  the  cliffs  along  the  northwest 
shore  of  the  island. 

37.  Populus    tremuloides    Michx.     American    Aspen.     This    tree    occurs 
in  the  same  conditions  as  P.  grandidentata  but  is  more  abundant.     It  was 
abundant  in  the  burnings  and  clearings  at  Siskowit  Bay,  VIII,  and  Washing- 
ton Harbor,  I.     It  also  occurs  on  the  rocky  promontories  at  the  southwest 
end  of  the  island,  IX,  on  the  cliffs  along  the  northwest  shore  of  the  Isle, 
and  on  the  smaller   islands   in    Lake    Desor,    VII.      It   prefers    dry    open 
habitats  and  is  one  of  the  first  trees  to  encroach  on  the  clearings. 

38.  Salix  spp.      Willow.      Several  undetermined  willows  occur  in  the 
alder  zone  along  the  streams,  II,  IV,  and  about  Lake  Desor,  VII. 

Betulaceae  Agardh.     Birch  Family. 

39.  Corylus  rostrata  Ait.     Beaked  Hazel-nut.     As  underbrush  through 
the  forest,  III,  VI,  with  the  Ground  Hemlock.     Often  forming  in  small  areas 
a  nearly  pure  stand. 

40.  Betula  papyrifera  Marsh.     Paper  or  Canoe  Birch.     Of  general  dis- 
tribution, being  a  prominent  form  in  the  coniferous  and  deciduous  forests, 
although  it  predominates  in  neither.     It  is  the  chief  deciduous  tree  on  this 
part  of  the  island,  owing  to  its  general  distribution. 

41.  Betula  lutea  Michx.  f.     Yellow  Birch.     This  birch  is  of  general  dis- 
tribution in  the  forests  of  the  slopes,  VI,  and  river  valleys,  II,  but  is  apparently 
more  abundant  in  the  former. 

42.  Alnus  incana  (L.)  Willd.     Speckled  or  Hoary  Alder.     Forms  extensive 
thickets  along  the  streams,  II,  IV,  about  the  shores  of  the  Isle,  and  on  low 
ground  around  Lake  Desor,  VII. 

Santalaceae  R.  Br.  Sandalwood  Family. 

43.  Comandra  livida  Richards.     Recorded  by  Mr.  Macduff  as  occurring 
in  an  alder  thicket  near  the  mouth  of  Grace  creek. 

Nyphaeaceae  DC.     Water  Lily  Family. 

44.  Castalia  odorata  (Dryand)  Woodv.  and  Wood.     Sweet-scented  White 
Water  Lily.     In  a  small  shallow  bay  at  the  west  end  of  Lake  Desor,  VII. 
The  only  place  observed. 

Ranunculaceae  Juss.     Crowfoot  Family. 

45.  Caltha   palustris    L.    Marsh-marigold.     This    species    seemed   to    be 
characteristic  of  the  alder  thickets,  II,  IV.  ' 

46.  Coptis   trifolia    (L.)    Salisb.     Gold-thread.     Of   general   distribution 
in  the  river  valleys,  II,  IV,  and  V,  and  on  the  slopes,  III  and  VI. 

Saxifragaceae  Dumort.     Saxifrage  Family. 

47.  Mitella  nuda  L.     Occasional  in  the  Tamarack  and    Spruce   forests 
along  Washington  river,  II,  and  in  the  Balsam  and  Spruce  forests  of  the 
slopes,  VI. 

Rosaceae  B.  Juss.     Rose  Family. 

48. "  Opulaster  opulifolius  (L.)   Kuntze.     Eastern  Ninebark.     About  the 
shores  of  Siskowit  Bay,  VIII;  on  the  Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX,  and 
about  the  shores  of  the  islands  in  Lake  Desor,  VII. 
12 


90  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

49.  Spiraea   salici folia    L.    Willow-leaved   or   American   Meadow-sweet. 
This  shrub  was  found  along  Washington  river,  II,  between  the  alder  and 
sedge  zones,  where  the  latter  was  wrell  developed. 

50.  Rubus    parviflorus    Nutt.     White-flowering    Raspberry.     In    sunny 
spots  in  the  woods,  III,  VI,  also  along  the  shore  of  Washington  Harbor,  X. 

51.  Rubus  arcticus  L." Arctic  Raspberry.     In  the  bogs,  IV,  and  V.     Appar- 
ently not  common. 

52.  Rubus   strigosus   Michx.     Wild   Red   Raspberry.     In   burnings   and 
clearings,  Siskowit  Bay,  VIII,  and  at  Washington  Harbor,  I. 

53.  Potentilla  argentea  L.  Silvery  or  Hoary  Cinquefoil.     On  the  shingle 
beach  at  Siskowit  Bay,  VIII. 

54.  Sibbaldiopsis  tridentata  (Soland.)     Rydb.     Three-toothed  Cinquefoil. 
On  the  shingle  beach  and  in  the  rock  crevices  at  Siskowit  Bay,  VIII,  and  in 
the  rock  crevices  on  the  Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX. 

55.  Dasiphora  fruticosa    (L.)  Rydb.   Shrubby  Cinquefoil.     In  the  rock 
crevices  on  the  Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX. 

Pomaceae  L.     Apple  Family. 

56.  Sorbus  americana  Marsh.     American  Mountain  Ash.      In  rocky  ex- 
posed situations,  especially  about  the  shores  of  the  island  and  on  the  islands 
in  Lake  Desor,  VII. 

57.  Amelanchier  canadensis  (L.)  Medic.     June-berry.     On  the  shore  at 
Siskowit  Bay,  VIII,  and  Grace  Harbor;  also  in  burnings  and  clearings,  and 
on  the  small  islands  in  Lake  Desor,  VII. 

Drupaceae  DC.     Plum  Family. 

58.  Prunus'  pumila  L.    Sand  Cherry.     In  the  clearing  at  Siskowit  Bay, 
VIII,  and  on  the  rocky  bluffs  along  the  northwest  shore  of  the  island. 

59.  Prunus  pennsylvanica  L.  f.      Wild  Red  Cherry.     On  the  islands  in 
Lake  Desor,  VII. 

Papilionaceae  L.     Pea  Family. 

60.  Lathyrus  maritimus   (L.)    Bigel.     Beach   Pea.     On  shingle  beaches 
in  the  bays  on  the  southwest  end  of  the  island  (Macduff). 

61.  Lathyrus  ochroleucus  Hook.     Cream-colored  Vetchling.     As  the  last. 

62.  Empetrum  nigrum  L.     Black  Cranberry.     With  the  heaths  on  thin 
soil  on  the  Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX. 

Aceraceae  St.  Hil.     Maple  Family. 

-  63.  Acer  saccharum  Marsh.  Sugar  or  Rock  Maple.  Only  found  on  the 
top  of  the  .Greenstone  Range,  III,  where  it  predominates  in  a  narrow  strip 
along  the  crest  of  the  ridge.  This  is  the  only  hardwood  forest  on  the  south 
end  of  the  island,  and  it  is  reported  by  Mr.  Hpllinger  to  extend  the  length 
of  the  island. 

64.  Acer   spicatum   Lam.     Mountain    Maple.     This    shrub   is    generally 
distributed  as  undergrowth  in  the  forest,  III,  VI,  with  Taxus  canadensis 
and  Corylus  rostrata.     Although  more  abundant  than  the  latter,  it  does  not 
form  as  large  a  proportion  of  the  undergrowth  as  the  former. 

Rhamnaceae  Dumort.     Buckthorn  Family. 

65.  Rhamnus  alnifolia  L'Her.     In  the  alder  thickets,  II,  IV. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  91 

66.  Ceanothus  americanus  L.     New  Jersey  Tea.     With  the  heaths  on 
the  Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX. 

Violaceae  DC.     Violet  Family. 

67.  Viola  spp.       Violet.     A  number  of  species  of  violets  '\vere  observed 
in  the  woods  and  alder  thickets,  but,  as  they  were  not  in  bloom,  they  were 
not  identified  with  certainty. 

Haloragidaceae  Kl.  and  Garcke.     Water-milfoil  Family. 

68.  Myriophyllum  sp.       An  unidentified  species  was  abundant  in  Wash- 
ington river  near  the  mouth,  II. 

Araliaceae  Vent.     Ginseng  Family. 

69.  Aralia    nudicaulis    L.     Wild    Sarsaparilla.     Generally    distributed 
throughout  the  forests  of  the  slope,  III,  VI,  and  river  valleys,  II,  IV. 

Cornaceae  Link.     Dogwood  Family. 

70.  Cornus  canadensis  L.    Dwarf  Cornel.     Generally  distributed  through 
the  forests  of  the  slopes,  III,  VI,  and  in  the  forest  of  the  river  valleys,  II, 
IV,  V.     It  also  occurs  with  the  heaths  on  the  Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX. 

71.  Cornus  stolonifera  Michx.     Red-osier  Dogwood.      Occasional  in  the 
tamarack-spruce  forests  of  the  river  bottoms,  II,  IV,  V.     Also  about  the 
shore  of  Lake  Desor,  VII. 

Pyrolaceae  Agardh.     Wintergreen  Family. 

72.  Chimaphila   umbellata   (L.)    Nutt.     Pipsissewa.     Prince's   Pine.     In 
damp  woods,  III,  and  VI. 

•    Monotropaceae  Lindl.     Indian-pipe  Family. 

73.  Monotropa  uniflora  L.  Indian-pipe.     Occasional  in  shady  situations 
in  the  forest,  III,  VI,  and  in  the  tamarack  and  spruce  woods  in  the  river 
valleys,  II,  IV  and  V. 

Ericacae  DC.     Heath  Family. 

74.  Ledum   groenlandicum   OEder.     Labrador   Tea.     In  the   tamarack- 
spruce  forest,  on  the  flood-plain  of  Washington  river,  II,  and  on  the  Sphagnum 
in  old  pools  on  the  Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX. 

75.  Andromeda  polifolia  L.  Wild  Rosemary.     In  the  tamarack  and  spruce 
woods  on  the  flood-plain  of  Washington  river,  II. 

76.  Chamaedaphne  calyculata  (L.)      Moench.     Dwarf  Cassandra.     On  the 
Sphagnum  growth  in  old  rock  pools  on  the  Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX. 

77.  Arctostaphylos  uva-ursi  (L.)  Spreng.       Red  Bearberry.     On  the  thin 
soil  on  the  outer  end  of  the  Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX.     With  the  other 
heaths,  it  follows  the  crevice  grasses  and  sedges. 

Vacciniaceae  Lindl.     Huckleberry  Family. 

78.  Vaccinium  pennsylvanicum   Lain.     Dwarf  or  Low-bush  Blueberry. 
Distribution  as  the  last. 


92  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

79.  Chiogenes  hispidula  (L.)  T.  and  G.     Creeping  Snow-berry.     Common 
in  the  low  tamarack-spruce  woods  along  Washington  river,  II,  and  Washing- 
ton creek,  IV.    Also  in  low  spots  in  the  slope  forest,  VI,  and  tamarack 
swamp,  V. 

Oleaceae  Lindl.     Olive  Family. 

80.  Fraxinus  nigra  Marsh.     Black  Ash.     Occasional  in  the  tamarack 
and  spruce  woods  on  the  flood-plain  of  Washington  river,  II,  and  in  the 
bog,  V. 

Asclepiadaceae  Lindl.     Milkweed  •  Family. 

81.  Asclepias  incarnata  L.  Swamp  Milkweed.     Occasional  in  the  grass 
and  sedge  zone  along  Washington  river  near  its  mouth,  II. 

Caprifoliaceae  Vent.     Honeysuckle  Family. 

82.  Viburnum  opulus  L.     High  Bush-cranberry.     In  the  tamarack  and 
spruce  woods,  II,  and  about  the  shores  of  the  islands  in  Lake  Desor,  VII. 

83.  Viburnum    pauciflorum    Pylaie.     Few-flowered   Cranberry-tree.     In 
a  bog  near  the  mouth  of  Grace  creek  (Macduff). 

84.  Linnaea    americana    Forbes.     American    Twin-flower.     Of    general 
distribution  throughout  the  forest,  II,  III,  VI. 

85.  Lonicera  oblongifolia  (Goldie)  Hook.     Swamp  Fly-honeysuckle.     In 
the  slope  forest,  VI,  (Macduff). 

86.  Lonicera  ciliata  Muhl.     American  Fly-honeysuckle.     Occasional  in 
the  slope  forests,  VI,  (Macduff). 

87.  Diervilla  diervilla  (L.)  MacM.     Bush  Honeysuckle.     In  the  clearings 
at  Siskowit  Bay,  VIII,  and  Washington  Harbor,  I. 

Campanulaceae  Juss.     Bell-flower  Family. 

88.  Campanula  rotundifolia  L.  Harebell.     In  the  rock  crevices  on  the 
Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX,  and  in  the  rock  crevices  and  on  the  shingle 
beach  at  Siskowit  Bay,  VIII. 

89.  Lobelia  spicata  Lam.     Pale  Spiked  Lobelia.     In  the  rock  crevices 
on  the  Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX. 

Compositae  Adans.     Thistle  Family. 

90.  Eupatorium  purpureum  L.     Joe- Pye- Weed.     Among  the  sedges  along 
Washington  river,  II.   Also  on  the  Sphagnum  in  the  abandoned  rock  pools,  IX. 

91.  Euthamia  graminifolia  (L.)   Nutt.     Bushy  or  Fragrant  Goldenrod. 
On  the  shores  of  Siskowit  Bay,  VIII,  and  in  the  rock  crevices  on  the  Minong 
Trap  promontory,  IX. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  93 


ANNOTATED  LIST  OF  THE  MOLLUSCS  OF  THE  PORCUPINE  MOUN- 
TAINS AND  ISLE  ROYALE,  MICHIGAN. 


BRYANT   WALKER   AND    A.    G.    RUTHVEN. 


This  list  has  been  prepared  from  the  collections  and  field  notes  made 
by  A.  G.  Ruthven.  The  species  of  Pisidium,  Sphaerium  and  Vertigo  were 
identified  by  Dr.  V.  Sterki,  the  Slugs  by  Dr.  H.  A.  Pilsbry,  and  the  re- 
mainder of  the  collection  by  Bryant  Walker. 

1.       PORCUPINE    MOUNTAINS. 

1.  Agriolimax  campestris   (Binn.).     This  species  was  found  among  the 
fallen  leaves  in  the  hardwood  forest,  II.  2,  and  under  a  pine  log  in  the  aspen 
zone  on  the  mountain  top,  III.  1. 

2.  Pallifera  hemphilli  (W.  G.  Binn.).     As  represented  by  the  collections, 
this  slug  is  quite  generally  distributed.     It  was  found  among  the  fallen 
leaves  in  the  deciduous  forest,  II.  2;  beneath  a  fallen  pine  log  in  the  pine 
zone,  III.  1,  and  under  the  bark  of  a  tamarack  log,  IV.  4. 

3.  Zonitoides   arborea  (Say).    III.   1.     A  number  of  specimens  of  this 
species  were  taken  under  fallen  pine  trees  among  the  bearberry  and  huckle- 
berry bushes  in  the  aspen  zone.     IV.  4.     Several  specimens  were  found 
beneath  the  bark  of  decaying  tamarack  and  cedar  logs  in  the  tamarack 
swamp.     VI.  A  few  specimens  were  taken  in  the  moist  humus  about  the 
roots  of  ferns  on  the  bank  of  Carp  creek,  and  among  the  moist  decaying 
leaves  on  higher  ground. 

4.  Zonitoides  milium   (Mse.).     III.   2.  Individuals   of  this  species   were 
collected  in  the  dry  earth  about  the  roots  of  the  New  Jersey  tea  on  the  moun- 
tain top;  in  the  humus  about  the  roots  of  an  arbor  vitae  in  the  cedar  swamp, 
II.  1,  and  in  the  humus  in  the  hemlock  woods,  II.  2. 

5.  Zonitoides   exigua   (Stimp.).     II.   2.  A  number  of  individuals   were 
found  among  the  fallen  leaves  in  the  hemlock  and  maple  woods.     Several 
were  also  found  in  decaying  cedar  and  tamarack  logs  in  the  tamarack  swamp, 
IV.  4. 

6.  Vitrea  ferrea  (Mse.) .     IV.  4.  A  few  individuals  of  this  species  were  taken 
in  a  fallen  tamarack  log  in  the  peat  bog. 

7.  Vitrea  indentata  (Say).     II.  2.  Under  dead  moist  leaves  in  the  hard- 
wood forest.     III.  1.  Under  fallen  logs  and  in  the  soil  in  the  aspen  zone  on 
the  mountain  top.     III.  2.  In  the  dry  earth  in  crevices  and  held  by  the 
roots  of  the  heath  plants  on  the  bare  mountain  top,  and  among  the  roots  of 
the  New  Jersey  tea  in  the  aspen  zone,  III.  4.     Also  found  under  the  bark 
of  fallen  tamarack  logs  in  the  tamarack  swamp,  IV.  4. 

8.  Vitrea  multidentata   (Binn.).     III.   1.  Several  specimens  were  taken 
under  the  bark  of  a  fallen  pine  in  the  aspen  zone  at  the  top  of  the  first  range. 

9.  Pyramidula   alternata    (Say).     II.    3.  Specimens    of   this   form    were 
found  crawling  about  on  a  log  in  the  clearing,  early  in  the  morning  while 
the  dew  was  heavy. 

10.  Pyramidula  striatella  catskillensis  Pils.     THis  species  was  collected 


91  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

among  the  damp  leaves  in  the  woods  toward  the  bottom  of  the  slope,  II.  2, 
and  near  the  top  under  fallen  pine  logs  among  the  heath  plants,  III.  1 .  It  was 
also  found  in  the  tamarack  swamp,  IV.  4,  in  decaying  arbor  vitae  and  tam- 
arack logs. 

11.  Pyramidula  asteriscus   (Mse.).       IV.    4.    Two  were  found  beneath 
the  bark  of  fallen  tamarack  trees  in  the  peat  bog.     This  is  the  only  station 
at  which  this  species  was  taken. 

12.  Helicodiscus  lineatus  (Say).     Among  the  damp  fallen  leaves  in  the 
hardwoods,  II.  2;  near  the  bottom  of  the  slope,  III.  1;  in  fallen  tamarack 
logs  in  the  tamarack  swamp,  IV.  4;  in  the  damp  humus  about  the  roots  of 
ferns  on  the  banks  of  Carp  creek,  VI.     This  species  seems  to  prefer  a  damp 
habitat,  and  the  dead  shells  found  in  the  crevices  of  the  cliff  face  and  among 
the  talus  blocks  were  probably  blown  there. 

13.  Acanthinula   Jiarpa    (Say).     III.    2.  A   number   of   specimens   were 
collected  in  the  dry  soil  held  by  the  grasses  and  heath  plants  on  the  mountain 
top.     This  is  one  of  the  characteristic  molluscs  of  this  exceedingly  dry  and 
exposed  habitat. 

14.  Punctum  pygmaeum  (Drap.).     II.  1.  A  few  specimens  were  collected 
in  the  damp  humus  among  the  roots  of  an  arbor  vitae  in  the  swamp.     II. 
2.  Found  to  occur  quite  abundantly  among  damp  leaves  in  the  hardwood 
forest.'    III.  1.  A  few  individuals  were  found  under  fallen  logs  among  the 
huckleberry  bushes  in  the  aspen  zone.     III.  2.  Several  taken  in  the  dry 
earth  about  the  roots  of  New  Jersey  tea  on  the  mountain  top.     IV.  4.  A 
few  found  beneath  the  bark  of  fallen  tamarack  trees  in  the  peat  bog. 

15.  Sphyradium   edentulum    (Drap.).     II.    2.  Among   the    damp   leaves 
in  the  hardwood  forest;  also  found  under  fallen  pine  trees  in  the  aspen  zone, 

III.  1,  and  in  decaving  tamarack  and  arbor  vitae  logs  in  the  tamarack  swamp, 

IV.  4. 

16.  Polygyra  albolabris    (Say).     III.    1.  Several   specimens   were   taken 
beneath  fallen  logs  in  the  aspen  zone  on  the  mountain  top,  and  among  the 
damp  leaves  in  the  hardwood  forest,  VI. 

17.  Polygyra  sp.  [young,  probably  albolabris  (Say)].      III.  2.  In  the  dry 
earth  about  the  roots  of  the  bearberry  on  the  mountain  top. 

18.  Polygyra  fraterna  (Say).     II.  3.  On  a  log  in  the  clearing    after    a 
heavy  dew.     VI.  Among  the  damp  leaves  in  the  forest. 

19.  Strobilops  virgo  (Pils.).     Found  in  the  damp  leaves  of  the  hardwood 
forest  near  the  bottom  of  the  slope,  II.  2;  under  logs  in  the  aspen  zone  near 
the  top,  III.  1 ;  in  the  dry  earth  among  the  roots  of  the  heath  plants  on  the 
mountain  top,  III.  2,  and  among  the  roots  of  the  blueberry  in  the  aspen  zone, 

III.  4.     It  was  also  found  in  decaying  tamarack  logs  in  the  tamarack  swamp, 

IV.  4;  a  few  in  the  humus  beneath  a  hemlock  on  II.  2,  and  in  the  moist 
loam  about  the  roots  of  ferns  on  the  banks  of  Carp  creek,  VI. 

20.  Bifidaria  curvidens  (Gld.) .     This  species  was  taken  under  logs  in  the 
aspen  zone  on  the  mountain  top,  III.  1,  and  on  the  bald  areas,  III.  2,  in  the 
dry  earth  held  by  the  heath  plants. 

20a.  Vertigo  gouldii  Binn.  Taken  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains,  and  at 
Limestone  Mountain  in  the  summer  of  1903.  These  specimens  have  only 
recently  been  identified  and  with  the  following  species  constitute  the  forms 
listed  in  the  1903  list  as  Vertigo  sp.  (Sixth  Report  Mich.  Acad.  Sci.  1904, 
p.  190). 

20b.     Vertigo  ventricosa  elatior  Sterki.     See  20a. 

21.  Cochlicopa  lubrica  morseana  (Doh.).     This  species  was  only  found 
in  damp  leaves  in  the  hardwood  forest,  II.  2,  and  in  the  moist  humus  on  the 
banks  of  Carp  creek,  VI. 


.        ECOLOGY    OP    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  95 

22.  Euconulus  chersinus  polygyratus    (Pils.).     II.    2.  Among  the    damp 
leaves  in  the  hardwood  forest.     III.  1.  Under  fallen  logs  in  the  aspen  zone 
about  the  mountain  top.     III.  2.  In  the  dry  soil  in  rock  crevices  and  among 
grass  roots  near  the  brink  of  the  precipice.     VI.  In  the  loam  on  the  bank 
of  Carp  creek. 

23.  Succinea  avara  Say.     III.  2.  A  few  shells  were  found  in  crevices  in 
the  rock  on  the  brink  of  the  cliff.     These  specimens  were  probably  blown 
here  as  the  animal  is  said  to  prefer  a  damp  habitat.  / 

24.  Carychium  exile  H.  C.  Lea.     II.  2.  Several  individuals  of  this  form 
were  taken  in  a  very  moist  place  among  fallen  leaves  in  the  hardwood  forest. 
Also  found  in  very  wet  humus  about  the  roots  of  ferns  on  the  banks  of  Carp 
creek,  VI. 

25.  Limnaea  decollate/,  Migh.     Occurs  quite  frequently  in  the  rock  pools 
of  the  Middle  Beach,  and  behind  projecting  outcropgon  the  Lower  Beach  of 
Lake  Superior,  I,  where  they  were  protected  from  the  full  force  of  the  waves. 

26.  Limnaea  desidiosa  Say.     I.  Occurs   quite  numerously  in  the  rock 
pools  of  the  Middle  Beach,  and  has  been  dredged  in  Lake  Superior  at  a  depth 
of  8  to  13  fathoms  (Baker). 

27.  Physa  sp.   (too  young  to  identify).       IV.   1.  Found  on  the  under 
side  of  lily  pads  in  Carp  river. 

28.  Physa  sayii?  Tapp.   (young  specimen).     VI.  Found  in  very  damp 
leaves  on  the  bank  of  Carp  creek. 

29.  Physa  ancillaria  Say.      var.      I.  In  the  rock  pools  of  the  Middle 
Beach  of  Lake  Superior. 

30.  Planorbis  campanulatus  Say.     Taken  on  the  under  side  of  lily  pads 
and  among  the  leaves  of  submerged  water  plants  on  Carp  river,  IV.  1,  and 
on  the  larger  stones  forming  the  bottom  near  the  shore  of  Carp  Lake,  V.  1. 

31.  Planorbis  bicarinatus  striatus   Baker.     V.    1.  Found  on  the  stones 
composing  a  strip  of  shingle  beach  on  Carp  Lake. 

32.  Planorbis  exacuous  Say.     IV.   1.  Taken  on  the  under  side  of  water 
lily  leaves  in  Carp  river. 

33.  Planorbis  parvus  Say.     I.  This  species  was  found  in  several  of  the 
pools  on  the  Middle  Beach  of  Lake  Superior,  both  on  the  bare  rock  and  in 
the  slight  algal  growth  that  lines  the  sides.     It  was  also  found  among  the 
leaves  in  the  bottom  of  a  pool  formed  by  a  spring  in  the  forest,  II.  2,  and  in 
considerable  abundance  on  the  under  side  of  the  larger  rocks  that  lie  loosely 
in  the  bed  of  Carp  creek,  VI.     Dredged  in  Lake  Superior  at  a  depth  of  8-13 
fathoms  (Baker). 

34.  Planorbis  deftectus?   Say.    (immature).     V.    1.  Found  on  the  small 
stones  forming  the  bottom  of  Carp  Lake  just  off  shore.     VII.  3.  On  the 
submerged  sticks  of  a  beaver  dam  on  Little  Carp  river. 

35.  Planorbis  hirsutus  Old.     IV.  1.  Among  the  leaves  of  a  submerged 
aquatic  plant  in  Carp  river,  about  two  feet  below  the  surface  of  the  water. 

36.  Ancylus  parallelus  Hald.     IV.  1.  On  the  stems  and  under  side  of 
lily  pads  in  Carp  river. 

37.  Valvata  tricarinata  (Say).     V.  3.     Among  the  leaves  of  submerged 
aquatic  plants  in  Carp  Lake. 

38.  Amnicola  limosa  (Say).       IV.  1.  Abundant  on  the  stems  and  under 
side  of  lily  pads,  and  among  the  leaves  of  submerged  aquatics  in  Carp  river. 
Also  common  on  the  stems  and  among  the  leaves  of  submerged  aquatic 

.  plants  in  Carp  Lake,  V.  3. 

39.  Anodonta  marginata   Say.     V.    1.  Occurs   quite  numerously  in  Carp 
Lake,  just  off  shore  on  a  bottom  of  either  silt  or  pebbles,  and  in  considerable 


96  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905.  • 

numbers  among  the  rushes  on  the  delta  of  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  1.  VII.  3. 
One  specimen  was  also  taken  on  a  mud  flat  in  Little  Carp  river,  near  the 
lake. 

40.  Sphaerium  simile  (Say).      V.  1.  This  species  was  found  in  the  mud 
at  the  outlet  of  Carp  Lake,  and  on  the  mud  flats  of  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  3. 

41.  Sphaerium  rhomboideum  (Say).     V.   1.  Partially  buried  in  the  fine 
silt  covering  the  bottom  of  Carp  Lake  just  off  shore. 

42.  Pisidium  sp.       \.  2.  Beneath  a  partly  submerged  log  on  the  delta 
of  Carp  river. 

43.  Pisidium  sp.     (immature).     II.   2.  Among  the  leaves  in  a  spring 
pool  in  the  hardwood  forest. 

2.      ISLE   ROYALE. 

1.  Agriolimax  campestris  (Binn.).     Among  fallen  alder  leaves  on  a  wet 
flat  along  Washington  river,  II,  and  in  the  humus  of  the  cedar  swamp,  IV. 

2.  Agriolimax?   (specimen   mutilated).     VIII.  One   specimen  taken   on 
the  under  side  of  a  stone  in  shallow  water  at  Siskowit  Bay. 

3.  Pallifera  hemphilli  (W.  G.  Binn.).     IV.  A  specimen  of  this  slug  was 
found  in  swamp  humus  on  Washington  creek. 

4.  Vitrina  limpida  Gld.     VI.  Several  specimens  were  taken  in  decaying 
spruce  logs  in  the  coniferous  forest.     Found  also  in  the  damp  fallen  leaves, 
in  the  deciduous  forest,  III. 

5.  Zonitoides    arborea     (Say).      II.  On    Washington    river    among    the 
fallen  leaves  in  an  alder  thicket  on  a  wet  mud  flat,  and  among  the  leaves 
and  under  the  bark  of  fallen  spruce  and  birch  trees  on  dryer  ground.      III. 
Found  among  the  leaves  and  under  the  rocks  in  the  deciduous  forest.      IV. 
A  few  specimens  taken  in  the  humus  of  a  cedar  swamp  on  Washington 
creek.     V.  Collected  in  the  moss  in  the  tamarack  swamp.     VI.  Several 
found  beneath  the  bark  of  fallen  spruce  trees  in  the  coniferous  forest. 

6.  Zonitoides  milium    (Mse.).     Specimens    of   this   form    were    collected 
among  the  leaves  and  in  fallen  birch  logs  in  the  deciduous  forest,  III;  in  the 
moss  of  the  tamarack  swramp,  V,  and  beneath  the  bark  of  fallen  spruce 
trees,  VI. 

7.  Vitrea  binneyana  (Mse.).     II.  Taken  among  the  fallen  leaves  in  an 
alder  thicket  on  a  mud  flat  on  Washington  river,  and  in  the  moss  in  the 
coniferous  forest  bordering  the  river.     Specimens  were  found  under  stones 
and  among  the  fallen  maple  leaves  in  the  deciduous  forest,  III ;  in  the  humus 
of  the  cedar  swamp,  IV;  in  the  fallen  spruce  logs  in  the  coniferous  forest, 
VI,  and  in  the  moss  of  the  tamarack  swamp,  V.      A  few  specimens   were 
also  found  in  the  moss  among  the  bearberry  bushes  on  the  Minong  Trap 
promontory,  IX. 

8.  Zonitoides    exigua     (Stimp.).      II.  Found    among    the    fallen    leaves 
of  an  alder  thicket  on  a  very  wet  mud  flat,  and  in  the  moss  covering  the 
ground  in  the  coniferous  forest     bordering  the  river.     Collected  among  the 
fallen  leaves  in  the  deciduous  forest,  III;  in  the  moss  of  the  arbor  vitae 
swamp,  IV,  and  in  the  moss  of  the  tamarack  swamp,  V.     Also  found  in  the 
moss  among  the  bearberry  bushes  on  the  Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX. 

9.  Pyramidula   alternata    (Say).     III.  Among  the   damp   fallen   leaves, 
beneath  the  bark  of  fallen  birch  logs,  and  under  stones  in  the  deciduous 
forest. 

10.  Pyramidula  striatella  (Anth.).     This  species  was  collected  on  Wash- 
ington river,  II,  among  the  fallen  leaves  of  alders  on  a  mud  flat,  and  in  the 
moss  in  the  coniferous  forest,  bordering  the  river.     It  was  also  collected  in 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  97 

the  deciduous  forest,  III,  among  the  damp  fallen  leaves  and  under  rocks; 
in  the  humus  of  the  cedar  swamp,  IV;  in  the  moss  in  the  tamarack  swamp, 
V,  and  in  the  moss  among  the  heath  plants  on  the  Minong  Trap  promon- 
tory, IX. 

11.  Pyramidula  striatella,  alba  (Walker).     II.  In  the  moss  forming  the 
ground  cover  of  the  coniferous  forest.     III.  Several  specimens  were  also 
collected  among  the  damp  fallen  leaves  in  the  deciduous  forest. 

12.  Pyramidula  asteriscus  (Mse.).      III.  Taken  among  the  fallen  leaves 
in  a  moist  ravine  in  the  deciduous  forest. 

13'  Acanthinula  harpa  (Say).  II.  This  species  was  found  to  occur  in 
the  moss  ground  cover  of  the  coniferous  forest  bordering  Washington  river; 
in  the  humus  of  the  arbor  vitae  swamp,  IV,  and  in  the  moss  about  the  roots 
of  the  heath  plants  on  the  Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX. 

14.  Punctum  pygmaeum  -(Drap.).     III.  Several  specimens  of  this  form 
were  collected  among  the  damp  fallen  leaves  in  the  deciduous  forest. 

15.  Sphyradium  edentulum  (Drap.).     II.  Beneath  the  bark  of  a  fallen 
log  in  the  coniferous  forest  along  Washington  river,  and  among  the  fallen 
leaves  in  the  deciduous  forest,  III. 

16.  Euconulus  fulvus  (Drap.).     This  shell  was  found  beneath  the  bark 
of  a  fallen  birch  tree  in  the  coniferous  forest,  II;  among  the  fallen  leaves 
in  the  deciduous  forest,  III,  and  in  the  moss  of  the  tamarack  swamp,  V. 
A  few  dead  shells  were  also  found  in  the  sediment  in  the  bottom  of  Grace 
creek. 

17.  Euconulus  chersinus  polygyratus  (Pils.).     Collected  in' the  moss  and 
decaying  logs  in  the  coniferous  forest  on  the  flood-plain  of  Washington 
river,  II;  among  the  fallen  leaves  in  the  deciduous  forest,  III,  and  beneath 
the  bark  of  a  decaying  tamarack  stump,  V. 

18.  Vertigo  ovataf  Say.     A  defective  specimen  was  found  in  the  humus 
of  the  arbor  vitae  swamp,  IV. 

19.  Vertigo  gouldii  Binn.     Among  the  fallen   leaves   in   the    deciduous 
forest,  III,  and  in  the  moss  of  the  tamarack  swamp,  V. 

20.  Vertigo  sp.     In  the  moss  about  the  foot  of  a  tamarack,  V. 

21.  Carychium  exile  H.   C.   Lea.     This  species   was  found  among  the 
fallen  alder  leaves  on  a  very  wet  flat  along  Washington  river,  II,  and  among 
the  fallen  maple  leaves  in  the  deciduous  forest,  III. 

22.  Limnaea  stagnalis     L.  var.       This  snail  is  very  abundant  about  the 
shores  of  Washington  Harbor,  X.     The  specimens  collected  were  attached 
to  the  larger  rocks  that  are  not  readily  moved  by  the  action  of  the  surf. 

23.  Limnaea  n.  sp.?  (related  to  L.  sumassi  Bd.,  but  probably  undescribed) . 
X.  This  form  is  also  abundant  in  Washington  Harbor,  and  with  Limnaea 
stagnalis   constitutes   the    characteristic    molluscan    life    of    this    station. 
The  specimens  collected  were  found  clinging  to  the  rocks  under  the  same 
conditions  as  L.  stagnalis.     It  was  also  found  to   occur  commonly  in  the 
rock  pools  on  the  Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX. 

24.  Physa  sayii  Tapp.  var.       X.  This  form  was  found  only  in  Washing- 
ton Harbor,  where  it  occurs  on  the  rocks  near  shore. 

25.  Physa  sp.     (probably  sayii  Tapp.).     VIII.  A  few  specimens  were 
found  at  Siskowit  Bay,    attached   to  stones  in  the  back  water  pools  on  the 
beach. 

26.  Physa  sp.      Under   this    head    are  grouped  a  number  of  immature 
^shells  jcollected  in  Lake  Desor,  VII,  in  the  fine  silt  near  shore  and  attached 
to  large  rocks  about  the  islands;  among  the  leaves  of  submerged  aquatic 

13 


i 

98  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

plants  in  Washington  river,  II,  and  attached  to  the  rocks  about  the  shore 
of  Washington  Harbor,  X. 

27.  Aplexa   hypnorum    (L.).     II.  Found   only   among  the  fallen   alder 
leaves  on  a  wet  flat  on  Washington  river. 

28.  Planorbis  bicarinatus  striatus  Baker.     VII.  This  species  was  found  in 
the  silt  near  shore  and  on  the  rocks  off  the  islands  of  Lake  Desor. 

29.  Planorbis  exacuous  Say.     II.  A  number  of  specimens  were  taken 
among  the  leaves  of  submerged  aquatic  plants  in    Washington  river.       It 
was  also  found  on  the  rocks  in  shallow  water  about  the  islands  of  Lake 
Desor,  VII,  and  in  Washington  Harbor,  X. 

30.  Planorbis  parvus  Say.     III.  Collected  among  the  leaves  in  the  bed 
of  a  dry  creek  in  the  deciduous  forest.     Also  found  in  the  rock  pools  on  the 
Minong  Trap  promontory,  IX,  and  clinging  to  the  rocks  in  shallow  water 
about  the  islands  of  Lake  Desor,  VII. 

31.  Planorbis  hirsutus  Old.     This  species  was  only  found  in  Lake  Desor, 
VII,  where  it  occurs  on  the  rocks  in  shallow  water  about  the  islands. 

32.  Valvata  sincera  lewisii  Curr.     VIII.  A  few  specimens  of  this  species 
were  found  on  the  rocks  in  a  back  water  pool  at  Siskowit  Bay. 

33.  Anodonta   marginata   Say.     VII.  Several   specimens   were   collected 
in  shallow  water  at  the  west  end  of  Lake  Desor,  among  a  scattered  vegetation" 
of  equisetum  and  water  lilies.     This  is  the  only  place  where  mussels  were 
found  on  the  south  end  of  the  island,  with  the  exception  of  a  broken  shell 
in  Washington  Harbor,  X,  although  a  careful  search  was  made  for  them 
about  the  shore  of  the  harbor  and  in  Washington  river. 

34.  Pisidium  abditum    Hald.    var.        II.    Several    specimens  were  col- 
ected  among  the  wet  fallen  leaves  in  the  alder  thicket,  on  the  bank  of  Wash- 
ington river. 

i    35.     Pisidium  variabile  Pme.   II.     Among  the  leaves  of  a  submerged 
aquatic  plant  in  Washington  river. 

36.  Pisidium  sp.  Pisidia  which  could  not  be  identified  were  collected 
on  water  plants  in  Washington  river,  II;  in  the  silt  in  the  bottom  of  Wash- 
ington creek  running  through  the  arbor  vitae  swamp,  IV,  and  in  the  debris 
in  the  bottom  of  Grace  creek,  near  its  mouth. 


The  following  general  observations  on  the  collection  will  call  attention 
to  the  specimens  of  special  interest  and  to  their  faunal  affinities.  So  far 
as  Isle  Royale  is  concerned,  the  fauna  is  purely  boreal;  the  land  species, 
as  far  as  they  go,  are  the  same  (with  one  exception)  as  those  of  the  Porcu- 
pine Mountains,  Ontonagon  County.  The  only  species  not  found  in  Onton- 
agon  County  is  Pyramidula  striatella  Anth.  The  occurrence  of  the 
typical  form  of  striatella  on  Isle  Royale  while  the  Ontonagon  County 
form  is  uniformly  var.  catskillensis  Pils.,  is  very  curious.  Catskillensis 
is  the  characteristic  form  of  Northern  Michigan.  It  has  been  traced 
from  Beulah,  Benzie  County,  Mich,  north  through  the  Grand  Trav- 
erse region,  Mackinac  Island  and  the  St.  Mary's  river,  to  Marquette, 
Baraga  and  Ontonagon  Counties.  At  Charlevoix  both  forms  occur,  while 
specimens  from  Crooked  Lake,  Emmet  County,  are  rather  intermediate. 
On  the  main  land  of  the  Upper  Peninsula  thus  far  only  the  variety  has  been 
found. 

Among  the  aquatic  species,  however,  Isle  Royale  furnishes  some  interest- 
ing forms.  The  form  of  Limnaea  stagnalis  is  a  peculiar  and  well  marked 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  99 

one,  quite  different  from  any  of  the  described  forms.  The  occurrence  of 
the  Limnaea  related  to  L.  sumassi  Bd.  on  Isle  Roy  ale  is  a  very  interesting 
discovery,  and,  whether  distinct  or  merely  a  variety  of  that  form,  is  new 
to  the  Michigan  fauna.  Originally  described  from  British  Columbia  L. 
sumassi  is  peculiarly  a  western  species,  and  its  occurrence  so  far  east,  if 
these  shells  are  referred  to  it,  is  quite  unexpected.  Planorbis  bicarinatus 
strmtus  Baker  has  not  before  been  listed  in  the  Michigan  fauna,  as  it  was 
described  since  the  last  (1894)  general  catalogue  of  the  Mollusca  of  the 
State  was  published.  It  is,  however,  a  form  of  general  distribution  through 
the  northern  part  of  the  state  and  occurs  occasionally  in  the  southern  counties. 
(Raisin  river,  Monroe  Co.  and  Orchard  Lake,  Oakland  Co.).  The  Pisidia 
are  represented  by  several  interesting  forms,  some  of  which  are  probably 
undescribed  species,  but  the  amount  of  material  is  at  present  too  meager 
to  justify  a  decisive  opinion.  It  is  a  matter  of  regret  that  this  interesting: 
group  was  not  more  largely  represented  in  the  collection.  The  collection 
from  the  Porcupine  Mountains  is  necessarily  largely  the  same  as  that  made 
in  1903,  and  affords  no  occasion  to  vary  the  opinion  as  to  the  general  character 
of  the  fauna  already  expressed  in  the  report  on  these  collections.* 

The  specimens  of  Cochlicopa  lubrica  from  the  hardwood  forest,  II.  2,  are 
the  elongated  slender  form  described  by  Doherty  as  morseana.  It  has  not  been 
listed  before  from  this  State.  Acanthinula  harpa  and  Zonitoides  asteriscus  are 
boreal  species,  the  former  hitherto  found  only  at  Beulah,  Benzie  Co.,  Char- 
levoix  and  Petoskey,  and  the  latter  at  Charlevoix.  Their  occurrence  on  Isle 
Royale  and  in  Ontonagon  County  are  the  first  records  for  the  Upper  Peninsula. 
Pallifera  hemphilli  W.  G.  Binn.  is  a  new  species  for  Michigan  and  a  very 
interesting  one.  It  was  originally  described  from  Mount  Mitchell,  N.  C.  and 
Lulu,  Hall  Co.,  Ga.  Dr.  Pilsbry  says,  "It  looks  as  though  hemphilli  might 
be  a  Canadian  form  which  extends  down  the  mountains.  I  have  seen  it 
also  from  the  mountains  in  Pennsylvania." 

*Sixth  Report  Mich.  Acad.  Science,  1904,  p.  192. 


100  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 


SPIDERS    AND    INSECTS    FROM    THE    PORCUPINE    MOUNTAINS 
AND  ISLE  ROYALE,  MICHIGAN. 


A.    G.    RUTHVEN. 

With  the  exception  of  the  Odonata  and  Orthoptera,  no  attempt  was  made 
to  make  extensive  collections  of  the  different  groups  of  invertebrates,  and 
the  lists  comprise  only  the  more  characteristic  forms  in  the  different  habitats 
studied.  The  collections  were,  for  the  most  part,  made  by  the  author 
with  the  assistance  of  the  other  members  of  the  party,  except  in  the  case 
of  the  ants  which  were  collected  largely  by  Mr.  Otto  McCreary.  We  are 
indebted  to  the  following  persons  for  the  determination  of  the  collections: 

Spiders. — Mr.  Nathan  Banks,  U.  S.  Department  of  Agriculture. 

Dragonfties. — Mr.  E.  B.  Williamson,  Bluffton,  Ind. 

Butterflies  and  Moths. — Prof.  Arthur  J.  Snyder,  Springfield,  Idaho. 

Ants. — Dr.  W.  M.  Wheeler,  American  Museum  of  Natural  History. 

1.       SPIDERS   FROM   THE    PORCUPINE    MOUNTAINS. 

1.  Gnaphosa  conspersa  Thor.      III.  1.    Taken  under  a  pine  log  among  the 
dwarf  huckle-and  blueberry  bushes  in  the  aspen  zone,  August.  6. 

2.  Linyphia  phrygiana  Koch.     I.  Taken  on  the  leeward  side  of  pro- 
jecting outcrops  of  rock   on  the  beach  of  Lake  Superior,  July  21.      Also 
occurs  in  Europe  (Banks). 

3.  Epeira   trifolium    Hentz.     I.  This    spider    occurs    numerously    along 
the  beach  of  Lake  Superior.     It  weaves  its  web  behind  projecting  out- 
crops of  rock,  and    when   surprised    runs  swiftly   into  the    rock  crevices. 
The  webs  are  often  rilled  with  small  white  moths,  July  30. 

4.  Epeira   patagiata   Clerck.     I.    This    species     was    found   under   the 
same  conditions  as  Epeira  trifolium.     Also  occurs  in  Europe  (Banks). 

5.  Lycosa  gracilis  Bks.     III.  1.  In  a  shallow  hole  in  dead  grass  under 
a  fallen  pine  log  in  the  aspen  zone,  August  6. 

6.  Pardosa  lapidicina  Th.     I.  This  species  was  taken  on  the  beach  of 
Lake  Superior,  July  30.     It  was  observed  quite  frequently  running  about 
over  the  rocks,  and  dodging  into  the  crevices  when  pursued. 

7.  Pardosa.  sp.   (probably  lapidicina).       I.  Several  immature  specimens 
were  taken  on  the  rocks  of  the  Lake  Superior  beach,  July  21. 

8.  Dolomedes  tenebrosus  Hentz.     II.  1.  A  specimen  of  this  spider  with 
its  egg  mass  was  taken  on  a  cedar  stump  in  the  arbor  vitae  swamp,  August  25. 

2.       SPIDERS   FROM   ISLE   ROYALE. 

1.  Amaurobius    sp.     V.     One   specimen  was  found  in  the   Sphagnum 
moss  in  a  tamarack  swamp,  August  22. 

2.  Amaurobius  bennetti  Blackw.     II.  One  specimen  was  taken  in  the 
moss  ground  cover  of  the  balsam  and  spruce  forest  on  the  flood-plain   of 
Washington  river,  August  26. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  101 

3.  Lycosa   pratensis   Em.     IX.  Several    specimens   were   found   in   the 
moss  about  the  roots  of  the  dwarf  blueberry  bushes  on  the  Minong  Trap 
promontory,  September  2. 

4.  Xysticus  sp.       IX.  One  specimen  was  taken  in  the  same  habitat  as 
the  last,  September  2. 

Mr.  Banks  remarks  in  a  letter,  concerning  the  collection,  that  these  species 
are  all  fairly  common  throughout  the  northeastern  United  States. 

3.      DRAGONFLIES   FROM   THE    PORCUPINE    MOUNTAINS. 

1.  Calopteryx   aequabilis   Say.     IV.   2.  A   male   was   taken   among  the 
alder  bushes  along  Carp  river,  August  5,  and  a  female  flying  up  the  river, 
IV.  1,  on  August  12. 

2.  Lestes  unguiculatus  Hagen.     II.  3.  A  male  was  taken  in  the  clearing 
on  August  12.     III.  2.  Two  females  were  taken  on  the  "bald"  crest  of  the 
first  range,  resting  on  golderirods,  July  18.     IV.  2.  One  male  was  taken 
on  a  cassandra  bush  in  the  valley  of  Carp  river,  August  5. 

3.  Nehalennia  irene  Hagen.     V.  2.  A  female  was  collected  on  a  grass 
stem  on  the  delta  of  Carp  river,  August  12. 

4.  Enallagma  hageni  Walsh.     V.     2.  Twenty-one  males  and  one  female 
were  taken  on  the  delta  of  Carp  river,  on  August  12,  and  four  males  on  July 
21.     This  is  the  only  station  at  which  this  form  was  observed.     It  occurs 
here,  however,  abundantly,  and  is  the  characteristic  species  of  this  marsh. 

5.  Enallagma   carunculatum   Morse.     V.    2.  A   single   specimen   of   this 
form,  a  male,  was  taken  on  the  delta  of  Carp  river,  August  12. 

6.  Enallagma  sp.      V.  2.    A  male  was  taken  on  the  delta  of   Carp  river 
on  August  12. 

7.  Ischnura  verticalis  Say.     V.  2.  A  female  was  taken  on  the  delta  of 
Carp  river,  July  21,  resting  on  a  grass  stem,  and  a  male  and  female  in  the 
same  locality  on  August  12. 

8.  Hagenius  brevistylus  Selys.     V.   1.  Only  one  specimen  of  this  form 
was  collected,  a  female  taken  on  Carp  Lake,  on  an  alder  branch  overhanging 
the  water,  August  10. 

9.  Gomphus    spicatus    Hagen.       A    male    was    taken    in    the  clearing, 
II.  3,  on  July  16,  a  female,  flying  about  among  the  cassandra  bushes  on  the 
flood-plain  of  Carp  river,  IV.  2,  August  5,  and  five  males  on  the  delta  of  Carp 
river,  V.  2,  July  21.     The  habitat  of  this  form  seems  to  be  the  marsh  and 
river.     The  specimen  taken  in  the  clearing  wTas  the  only  specimen  observed 
away  from  water. 

10.  Aeschna    clepsydra    Say.     I.  Several    individuals    resembling    this 
form  were  observed,  flying  back  and  forth  along  the  beach  of  Lake  Superior 
on  July  30.     II.  3,  4.  Two  males  and  t\vo  females  were  taken  about  dusk 
on  July  16,  flying  about  the  clearing  and  in  and  out  among  the  surrounding 
aspens.     V.  2.  A  male  and  female  were  captured  in  coitu  among  the  grasses 
and  sedges  on  the  delta  of  Carp  river,  on  August  8.     IV.  1.  Individuals 
resembling  this  form  were  often  seen  in  the  evening,  flying  up  and  down 
Carp  river,  and  along  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  3,  and  over  the  lake,  VII.    1, 
on  August  3.     This  species  seemed  to  occur  generally  along  the  streams, 
except  in  the  evening,  when  it  was  also  observed  flying  back  and  forth  in 
the  woodland  clearings.      The  individuals  seen  flying  over  Little  Carp  Lake 

..often  -made  sudden  swerves  close  to  the  surface,  and  nearly  every  time, 
as  they  flew  upward  again,  they  were  followed  by  the  snout  of  a  hungry 
dace,  but  in  no  instance  observed  was  the  fish  successful. 

BIO-AGRICULTURAL  LIBRARY 


102  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

11.  Sympetrum  obtrusum  Hagen.     II.  3.  One  female  was  taken  on  July 
16;  many  others  were  seen  in  the  clearing  at  various  times.     II.  4.  Five 
males  and  one  female  were  taken  in  the  aspen  zone  that  surrounds  the  clearing, 
July  15  and  16.     II.  5.  Two  males  and  two  females  were  taken  on  the  heath 
undergrowth  in  the  aspen  zone  bordering  the  north  side  of  the  bald  crest  of  the 
ridge,  July  15.     III.  1,  2.  Several  individuals  of  the  genus,  thought  to  be- 
long to  this  species,  were  seen  at  different  times,  flying  about  over  the  heath 
plants,  and  in  the  aspen  zone  on  the  mountain  top.     III.  3.  One  specimen 
was  taken  among  the  pines  on  July  19.     III.  4.  Two  males  and  one  female 
were  taken  on  July  15  in  the  aspen  zone  that  borders,  on  the  east,  the  bald 
crest  of  the  first  range.     IV.  2.  Three  males  were  taken  among  the  cassandra 
bushes  along  Carp  river  on  July  5.     VII.  2.  One  taken  and  several  seen  on 
the  beaver  meadow  on  Little  Carp  river,  August  3.     This  form  seemed  to 
occur  most  numerously  in  the  cassandra  zones  and  beaver  meadows  along 
the  streams,  although  it  was  also  observed  to  occur  quite  commonly  in  hard- 
wood clearings  and  on  the  bald  crests.      It  is  not  strictly  confined  to  the 
clearings,  however,  but  seems  to  occur  in  equal  abundance  in  the  aspen  zones. 

12.  Sympertum  costiferum   Hagen.      I.  One  male  was  taken  on  July  30, 
/lying  about  over  the  beach  of  Lake  Superior.     This  was  the  only  specimen 
taken.     Three  others  which  resembled  this  form  were  seen  resting  on  the 
beach,  but  they  eluded  capture.     None  were  observed  at  any  other  station. 

13.  Plathemis    iydia    Drury.      IV.    1,    V.    2,    VII.    2.     No  specimens 
of  this  form  were  taken,  but  a  dragonfly  was  observed  several  times  on  the 
mudflats  of  Carp  river,  on  the  marsh  at  the  east  end  of  Carp  Lake,  and  on 
the  beaver  meadow,  that  can  be  referred  to  this  species  with  little  doubt. 

4.      BUTTERFLIES   AND    MOTHS   FROM   THE    PORCUPINE    MOUNTAINS   AND 
ISLE   ROYALE. 

a.     Porcupine  Mountains. 

1.  Argynnis  cybele  Fab.     II.  3.  One  specimen  of  this  form  was  taken 
on  the  flower  of  a  cow  parsnip  in  the  clearing,  July  20,  and  one  on  a  golden- 
rod  on  the  mountain  top,  III.  2,  on  August  10.    Argynnid  forms  resembling  this 
species  were  often  seen  about  the  clearing,  "balds"  and  river  valley,  but 
how  many  of  these  were  to  be  referred  to  the  species,  and  to  the  following 
variety,  was  not  determined. 

The  observations  and  collections  indicate  that  both  the  variety  and  typical 
forms  prefer  an  open  sunny  habitat. 

2.  Argynnis  cybele  Fab.  var.  (near/eto).      For  a  discussion  of  this  variety 
see  Prof.  Snyder's  comments  on  the  collection  at  the  close  of  the  Isle  Royale 
list.     II.  3.  One  specimen  was  taken,  flying  about  the  clearing,  July  21, 
and  one  on  Carp  river,  IV.  2,  flying  about  among  the  cassandra  bushes  on 
August  12. 

3.  Argynnis  atlantis  Edwards.      Specimens  of  this  species  were  collected 
on  the  beach  of  Lake  Superior,  I,  August  11,  in  the  clearing,  II.  3,  July  16, 
and  in  the  valley  of  Carp  river,  IV.  2,  August  12. 

4.  Phyciodes  tharos  Drury.     I.  Two  were  taken,  'flying  over  the  beach 
of  Lake  Superior,  July  30  and  August  11,  and  two  on  a  harebell  on  July  17. 
II.  3.  Two  specimens  were  also  found  on  a  cow  parsnip  flower  in  the  clearing, 
Juhr  16.     This  species  like  the  Argynnids,  seems  to  prefer  open  sunny  habitats. 

5.  Grapta  gracilis  Grote  and  Robinson.     I.  Five  specimens  were  taken 
on  the  rocks  and  flying  about  over  the  beach  of  Lake  Superior  on  August 
11.     II.  3.  One  was  collected  in  the  clearing,  August  7,  and  one  on  the  face 
of  the  cliff,  III.  6,  August  11.     This  form  is  the  characteristic  butterfly  of 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  103 

the  beach.  The  one  captured  in  the  clearing  was  the  only  one  observed 
there.  They  were  numerous  on  the  face  of  the  cliff,  but,  owing  to  the  diffi- 
culty in  scaling  the  precipice,  only  one  could  be  secured.  Both  on  the  cliff 
face  and  beach,  they  made  but  short  flights  when  disturbed,  and  if  not 
pursued  soon  settled  on  the  rocks  again.  After  alighting  they  settled 
close  to  the  rocks  with  their  wings  outspread,  now  and  then  raising  them 
above  their  back,  but  quickly  lowering  them  again. 

6.  Grapta  progne  Cramer.     I.  One  specimen  of  this  butterfly  was  taken, 
flying  over  the  beach  of  Lake  Superior,  August  11. 

7.  Vanessa  j-album  Boisduval  and  Leconte.      This  form  was  taken  on 
the  beach  of  Lake  Superior,  I,  on  August  11.     Two  individuals  were  collected 
in  the  clearing,  II.  3,  on  August  5,  and  August  7.     III.  2.  One  specimen  was 
also  found  on  the  talus  slope,  July  21. 

8.  Vanessa  antiopa  Linn.     I.  One  taken  on  the  beach  of  Lake  Superior, 
August  11.     This  butterfly  was  not  often  seen.     It  was  twice  recognized 
in  the  clearing,  II.  3,  once  on  the  shore  of  Carp  Lake,  V.  1,  and  once  in  the 
beaver  meadow  on  Little  Carp  river,  VII.  2. 

9.  Basilarchia  arthemis  Drury.     This,  form  was  found  to  occur  on  the 
beach  of  Lake  Superior,  I,  in  the  clearing  and  surrounding  aspen  zone,  II. 
3,  4,  in  the  cassandra  zone  on  Carp  river,  IV.  2,  and  in  the  beaver  meadow. 
It  is  a  very  common  form  in  this  region,  being  apparently  of  general  distribu- 
tion in  clearings 

10.  Thecla  edwardsii  Saunders.     III.  2.  One  specimen  was  collected  on 
a  goldenrod  on  the  mountain  top,  August  10. 

11.  Colias   philodice  Godart.     I.  Two   specimens  were  taken  on  hare- 
bells on  the  beach  of  Lake  Superior,  August  30,  and  three  flying  about, 
August  11.     II.  3.  One  was  found  on  a  cow  parsnip  in  the  clearing,  August 
7.     "Yellow"  butterflies  were  not  often  observed 

12.  Catocala   unijuga   Walker.     II.    3.  One   specimen   was   found   in   a 
crevice  between  the  logs  of  the  camp  shack  in  the  clearing,  August  5. 

13.  Hypoprepia  miniata  Kirby.     III.  6.  On  a  huckleberry  bush  on  the 
"bald"  mountain  top,  August  11. 

14.  Actias  luna  Linn.     II.  2.  A  single  specimen  was  taken  on  a  hemlock, 
July     15. 

b.     Isle  Royale. 

Basilarchia  arthemis  and  Colias  philodice  were  both  common  in  the  clear- 
ings. One  specimen  of  Vanessa  antiopa  was  seen  in  a  clearing,  September  3. 

c.     Notes  on  the  Collection  of  Butterflies,  by  Prof.  A.  J.  Snyder. 

Of  all  the  lot  the  most  interesting  are  the  two  varieties  of  the  female  of 
Argynnis  cybele,  which  so  closely  resemble  the  female  of  Argynnis  leto  as  to 
startle  one.  The  same  form  was  found  in  the  Lake  Superior  region  by  Mr. 
Bates  of  Chicago.  I  believe  two  specimens  of  this  form  are  now  in  the  col- 
lection of  Mr.  John  Healey  of  Chicago.  The  two  specimens  listed  above  well 
illustrate  geographic  variation. 

Dr.  Holland  speaks  of  Carpenterii,  the  variety  of  cybele  found  in  New  Mexico 
and  Colorado,  and  claims  a  similar  form  is  found  in  Labrador  and  Canada; 
also  on  the  mountains  of  Carolina.  The  largest  forms  of  cybele  I  have  seen 
are  from  Tennessee.  Argynnis  leto  is  a  western  species  common  in  Utah 
.-and  seme  parts  of  Colorado.  The  dark  female,  at  its  best,  is  a  handsome 
specimen,  and  that  a  female  of  cybele  should  be  found  in  the  Superior  country 
is. enough  to  make  one  question  the  ancestory  of  leto.  Of  one  thing  we  are 


104  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

certain,  altitude  and  latitude  both  tend  to  make  smaller  and  darker  colored 
specimens  of  a  species. 

5.      ANTS   FROM   THE    PORCUPINE    MOUNTAINS. 

1.  Formica  impexa  Wheeler.*  III.  6.  A  colony  of  this  form  was  found 
beneath  a  loose  stone  among  the  huckleberry  bushes  on  the  mountain  top, 
August  12,  1904  (not  1902  as  given  by  Wheeler). 

"Worker.     Length  3.3—6  mm. 

"With  the  habitus  of  Formica  rufa.  Mandibles  8  toothed.  Clypeus  broadly 
rounded  in  front,  not  produced  in  the  middle,  carinate  its  entire  length. 
Head  excluding  the  mandibles,  distinctly  longer  than  broad  even  in  the 
largest  workers.  Cheeks  rather  long,  straight,  subparallel.  Posterior 
border  of  head  straight,  posterior  corners  rounded.  Joints  1-4  of  antennal 
funiculus  decidedly  longer  and  more  slender  than  the  remaining  joints. 
Thorax  of  the  rufa  type,  but  with  the  epinotum  very  low  and  rounded.  Petiole 
rather  thick  anteroposteriorly,  its  anterior  surface  convex  in  profile,  its 
posterior  flattened,  its  edge,  especially  in  smaller  workers,  very  blunt.  Seen 
from  behind  the  node  is  produced  upwards  in  the  middle  and  is  of  rather 
variable  outline,  being  notched  in  the  middle  in  some  specimens,  but  oftener 
more  or  less  rounded. 

"Mandibles  lustrous,  finely  and  sharply  striated.  Surface  of  clypeus  uneven. 
Frontal  area  shining.  Remainder  of  body  opaque,  distinctly  but  finely 
shagreened. 

"Whole  body  and  appendages  covered  with  very  minute  white  pubescence, 
which  is  rather  sparse  on  the  head  and  thorax,  but  dense  and  concealing 
the  ground  surface  on  the  gaster.  Body,  antennal  scapes,  and  legs  covered 
with  robust,  obtuse,  erect  or  suberect,  whitish  or  yellowish  hairs.  On  the 
gaster  they  are  uniformly  distributed  and  very  conspicuous  in  certain  lights. 
They  are  also  very  numerous  and  prominent  on  the  upper  surface  of  the 
thorax,  clypeus,  front,  vertex,  posterior  corners  and  lower  surface  of  the 
head.  They  are  absent  or  very  sparse  on  the  cheeks,  pleurae  and  coxae. 
On  the  legs  they  are  prominent  both  on  the  flexor  and  extensor  surfaces. 

"Head  and  thorax  red.  Gaster  black.  All  specimens,  even  the  largest 
are  more  or  less  infuscated  as  follows :  Mandibles,  anterior  border  of  clypeus 
and  apical  half  of  funiculi  dark  reddish  brown.  Ocellar  triangle,  upper 
surface  of  pro- and  mesonotum,  much  of  the  upper  portion  of  the  petiole, 
legs  and  coxae,  except  their  articulations,  more  or  less  blackened.  In  the 
largest  workers  the  fore  coxae  are  largely  red.  Anal  region  and  articula- 
tions of  legs  yellowish.  In  the  smallest  workers  the  infuscation  is  more 
extensive,  involving  the  whole  of  the  posterior  portion  of  the  head  and  the 
epinotum. 

"Described  from  twelve  workers  taken  August  12,  1904  by  Mr.  0.  McCreary 
from  a  colony  nesting  under  a  stone  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains,  Ontonagon 
county,  Michigan.  Types  in  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History, 
cotypes  No.  32,925  in  the  University  Museum,  University  of  Michigan, 
Ann  Arbor,  Mich. 

"F.  impexa  is  allied  to  F.  oreas  Wheeler  and  F.  microgyna  Wheeler,  with 
which  it  agrees  in  having  erect'  hairs  on  the  antennal  scapes.  It  differs 
from  F.  oreas  in  the  much  stiffer  and  less  abundant  erect  and  obtuse  hairs 
on  the  head  and  thorax,  the  prominent  hairs  on  the  gaster,  the  longer  head, 
more  opaque  surface  of  the  head  and  thorax,  etc.  In  most  of  these  characters 

*Wheeler,  W.  M.     New  Species  of  Formica.     Bull.  Amer.  Mus.  Nat.  His.,  XXI,  p.  273,  1905. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  105. 

it  also  differs  from  the  typical  microgyna.  The  erect  hairs  on  the  gaster 
of  impexa  are  much  more  robust  and  obtuse  than  in  the  latter  species.  The 
new  species  also  resembles  F.  difficilis  Emery  and  notably  its  var.  consocians 
Wheeler,  except  in  pilosity  and  the  absence  of  any  yellow  color  on  the  basal 
gastric  segment. 

'•'It  is  very  probable  that  the  female  of  F.  impexais  aberrant,  either  in  being 
very  diminutive  like  the  females  of  F.  difficilis  and  F.  microgyna  or  in  having 
an  unusual  color  like  the  female  of  F.  areas.  Until  this  sex  of  impexa  is 
discovered  there  may  be  some  doubt  as  to  whether  the  form  should  be  re- 
garded as  a  species  distinct  from  rufa.  That  it  differs  very  markedly  in 
pilosity  from  all  the  hitherto  described  subspecies  and  varieties  of  rufa,  there 
can  be  no  doubt."  W.  M.  Wheeler. 

2.  Formica  fusca  L.  var.  subsericea  Say.     III.  6.  On  the  rocks  at  the  foot 
of  the  talus  slope  and  at  the  foot  of  the  cliff,  August  12.     Also  found  in  an 
ant  hill  in  the  clearing,  II.  3,  and  under  the  loose  stones  on  the  mountain 
top,  III,  August  6. 

3.  Formica  fusca  L.  var.  argentata  Wheeler.     III.   1,  2.  A  number  of 
colonies  were  found  under  the  loose  rocks  on  the  mountain  top,  especially 
among  the  heath  plants. 

4.  Formica  fusca  L.  var.  neorufibarbis  Emery.     II.  4.  A  colony  of  this 
species  was  found  in  a  decaying  aspen  log,  August  8. 

5.  Formica  lasioides  Emery,  var.  picea  Emery.     III.  2.  Collected  under 
the  loose  stones  on  the  mountain  top,  August  11. 

6.  Brachymyrmex   heerii   Mayr.    subsp.    depilis   Emery.     III.    6.  Under 
stones  on  the  mountain  top,  August  12.     III.  2.  Taken  among  the  heath 
plants  on  the  mountain  top,  July  18. 

7.  Tapinoma  sessile  Say.  (small  var.).     III.  1.  Under  the  stones  in  the 
aspen  zone  near  the  top  of  the  first  range,  August  11,  and  on  III.  6,  under 
the  loose  stones  on  the  side  of  the  mountain  near  the  top  on  August  12. 

8.  Camponotus  herculeanus  L.    var.  whymperi  Forel.     III.  2.  A  colony 
was  found  in  a  dry  decaying  pine  log  on  the  bare  mountain  top,  August  6. 
and  in  a  decaying  pine  log  on  the  mountain  top,  III.  6,  August  12. 

9.  Lasius  brevicornis  Emery.     III.  2.  Beneath  the  loose  rocks  on  the 
mountain  top,  August  11. 

10.  Spenamma  (Aphaenogaster)  fulvum  Roger,  var.  rude  Emery.     III.  6. 
Collected  beneath  the  stones  near  the  top  of  the  mountain,  August  12,  and 
under  stones  and  fallen  pine  logs  in  the  aspen  zone  near  the  top  of  the  ridge, 
August  6. 

6.      ANTS   FROM   ISLE   ROYALE. 

1.  Formica  sanguinea  Latr.  subsp.  aserva  Forel.     I.  One  colony  found 
in  the  clearing,  August  18. 

2.  Formica   fusca    L.    var.    subsericea    Say.     I.   Several    colonies    were 
found  in  the  clearing,  August  18. 

3.  Formica  fusca  L.  var.  neorufibarbis  Emery.     I.  In  the  humus  beneath 
a  decayed  stump  in  the  clearing,  August  18.     III.  In  a  decayed  log  on  the 
top  of  the  ridge,  August  20. 

4.  Camponotus  herculeanus  L.  var.  whymperi  Forel.     I.  Found  on  sides 
of  a  log  shack,  August  18,  and  feeding  on  a  fish  head  in  the  clearing,  Sep- 
tember 1. 

5.  ,  Leptothorax   canadensis    Prov.     var.      I.  One    colony    found    in    the 
clearing,  August  18. 

Dr.    Wheeler  makes  the   following  comments  on  the   collection:     "The 
14 


106  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

collection  is  a  very  interesting  one.  All  the  forms  are  subboreal  and  charac- 
teristic of  the  hills  or  mountains  of  the  northern  states  or  British  Columbia. 
The  new  Formica  [impexa]  is  especially  interesting.  Unfortunately  only 
workers  are  represented.  The  female  is  probably  an  aberrant  form  like 
the  female  of  F.  oreas  or  F.  ciliata.  All  the  other  species  are  well  known, 
with  the  exception  of  F.  aserva  and  Camponotus  whymperi.  The  latter 
occurs  in  the  mountains  of  Colorado  and  British  Columbia." 


-ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  107 


THE  COLD-BLOODED  VERTEBRATES  OF  THE  PORCUPINE  MOUN- 
TAINS AND  ISLE  ROYALE,  MICHIGAN. 


A.    G.    RUTHVEX. 

The  list  of  fish  in  the  following  report  is  entirely  the  result  of  the  work  of 
this  expedition,  and  we  are  indebted  to  Dr/S.  E.  Meek  of  the  Field 
Columbian  Museum,  Chicago,  for  the  identification  of  the  specimens. 

The  list  of  amphibians  and  reptiles  is  intended  to  include  the  data  at  present 
available  to  the  author  on  the  occurrence  of  these  animals  in  the  Northern 
Peninsula.  It  is  of  necessity  far  from  complete,  as  very  little  collecting 
has  been  done  in  this  region,  and  the  records  that  have  been  made  are  scat- 
tered. For  the  latter  reason  it  was  thought  best  to  bring  together  all 
available  information.  The  sources  of  the  records  are  the  collections  made 
for  Mr.  Bryant  Walker  about  Limestone  Mountain,  Baraga  County,  and 
in  the  Porcupine  Mountains,  Ontonagon  County,  in  the  summer  of  1903*; 
the  collections  and  field  notes  of  the  Museum  Expedition  in  the  Porcupine 
Mountains  and  on  Isle  Royale,  during  the  summer  of  1904;  records  and  col- 
lections made  about  Marquette  by  Dr.  E.  R.  Downing  of  the  Northern  State 
Normal  School,  and  specimens  in  the  University  Museum  collected  by  Dr. 
A.  E.  Foote  on  Isle  Royale.  A  few  notes  have  also  been  added  from  specimens 
collected  during  the  summer  of  1905,  b}'  Dr.  C.  A.  Davis  of  the  Michigan 
Geological  Survey. 

The  amphibians,    with  the  exception  of  the  Marquette  specimens,  have 
been  identified  by  Dr.  Stejneger  of  the  United  States  National  Museum; 
the  Marquette  specimens,  and  the  reptiles  were  identified  by  the  writer, 
unless  otherwise  stated. 

1.      FISH    FROM   THE    PORCUPINE    MOUNTAINS. 

1.  Catostomus  commersonii  (Lacepede).    Fine  Scaled  or  Common  Sucker. 
IV.  1.  Ten  specimens  were  taken  in  the  deeper  holes  in  Carp  river  near 
Carp  Lake,  July  16,  on'  a  bottom  of  fine  mud.      V.  3.  Twelve  specimens 
were  collected  near  the  center  of  Carp  Lake  on  July  16.    VII.  1.  One  was  taken 
and  several  others  seen  off  the  edge  of  the  delta  of  Little  Carp  river,  August 
3.     VII.  3.  Two  specimens  were  collected  in  a  pool  about  five  feet  deep 
behind  a  beaver  dam  on  Little  Carp  river,  August  3.     This  is  the  charac- 
teristic and  common  fish  in  the  deeper  waters  of  this  region. 

2.  Semotilus  atromaculatus  (Mitchell).     Horned  Dace.     IV.   1.  Thirteen 
specimens  wrere  taken  in  Carp  river  on  July  16   and  18.      This  fish  seemed 
to  occur  only  in  small  numbers  in  the  deeper  water  near  the  lake,  but  farther 
up  stream,  where  the  current  is  more  rapid,  it  was  very  abundant,  although 
the  bottom  w^as  still  composed  of  mud  and  debris.     No  specimens  were 

'taken' in  Carp  Lake,  but  it  is  abundant  in  Little  Carp  Lake,  VII.  1,  where 

*Ruthven,  A.  G.— Notes  on  the  Molluscs,  Reptiles  and  Amphibians  of  Ontonagon  County,  Michigan. 
Sixth  Annual  Report  Michigan  Academy  of  Science,  pp.  188-192. 


108  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

thirty-four  specimens  were  taken,  August  3.  In  the  latter,  locality  they 
were  observed  repeatedly  about  dusk  to  jump  partly  out  of  the  water  in 
pursuit  of  dragonflies. 

3.  Nototropis  cayuga  Meek.     IV.   1.  Four  specimens  were  taken  off  a 
mud  flat  in  Carp  river  on  July  16,  among  a  vegetation  of  water  lilies. 

4.  Nototropis   hudsonius    (DeWitt    Clinton).     Spawn    Eater   or    Shiner. 
IV.  1.  Four  specimens  were  taken  off  a  mud  flat  in  Carp  river,  and  many 
others  in  Carp  Lake,  V.  3,  in  about  six  feet  of  water,  off  a  graA'elly  shore, 
July  16. 

5.  Nototropis    cornutus    (Mitchell).     Shiner;    Red    Fin.     VII.    3.     One 
specimen  of  this  form  was  taken  in  Little  Carp  river.     This  fish  was  observed 
to  occur  much  more  numerously  up  stream,  where  the  current  was  swift 
and  the  bottom  composed  of  gravel,  than  in  the  deeper  water  near  the  lake. 

6.  Couesius   plumbeus    (Agassiz).     VII.    3.  Six   specimens    of   this    fish 
were  collected  in  Little  Carp  river  at  about  the  middle  of  the  beaver  meadow, 
where  the  stream  is  shallow,  current  quite  rapid,  and  the  bottom  composed 
of  small  stones. 

7.  Salvelinus   fontinalis   (Mitchell).     Brook   Trout.     Owing  to  the  pre- 
ference of  this  species  for  clear  cold  streams  with  a  swift  current  and  gravel 
bottom,  it  is  not  surprising  that  it  does  not  occur  in  Carp  Lake  or  Carp  river 
within  the  mountains.     It  is  reported  by  Mr.  Allie,  of  the  Carp  Lake  Mine, 
to  be  abundant  in  Little  Carp  Lake    during  the  spring  and  early  summer, 
but  we  were  unable  to  obtain  any  in  August. 

8.  Thymallus   ontariensis    (Cuvier   and   Valenciennes).     Grayling.     This 
fish  was  not  taken,  but  specimens  were  seen  by  the  writer  in  the  summer 
of  1903,  which  had  been  taken  in  Little  Carp  river,  near  Lake  Superior. 

9.  Eucalia  inconstans  pygmaea   (Agassiz).     VII.   3.  One  specimen  was 
taken  in  Little  Carp  river    on  August  3,  where  the  current  was  quite  rapid 
and  the  bottom  composed  of  fine  silt.     Several  others  were  seen  in  a  small 
creek  cut  in  the  loam  of  the  beaver  meadowr. 

10.  Percopsis  guttatus  Agassiz.     Trout  Perch.     IV.  1.  Three  specimens 
were  collected  in  shallow  water  off  a  mud  flat  in  Carp  river,  and  in  the  deeper 
waters  of  Carp  Lake,  V.  3.     This  genus  and  species  were  originally  described 
by  Agassiz1   from  specimens  taken  in  the  Lake  Superior  region.     Its  habitat 
is  given  by  Forbes2,  as  apparently  deeper  waters,  not  often  found  in  streams, 
and  by  Jordan  and  Evermann,3  as  "cold  or  clear  lakes  and  rivers."     It, 
however,  occurs  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains,  in  quite  shallow  water.     This 
may  be  due  to  the  fact  that  it  is  a  northern  form,  and  that  in  this  region 
the  conditions  to  which  it  is  adapted  are  more  widespread  than  toward  the 
south. 

11.  Perca  ftavescens  (Mitchell).     Yellow  Perch.     IV.  1.  Four  specimens 
were  collected  in  the  deeper  parts  of  the  river  near  Carp  Lake,  and  twenty- 
five  in  the  lake,  V.  3.     These  specimens  were  all  obtained  in  the  deeper 
parts  of  the  lake  and  river,  where  there  was  considerable  vegetation  and 
muddy  bottom. 

2.      FISH   FROM   ISLE   ROYALE. 

1.  Catostomus  commersonii  (Lacepede).  Common  Sucker.  X.  Often 
seen  in  large  schools  near  the  shore  of  Washington  Harbor.  The  conditions 
were :  bottom  rocky,  and  little  or  no  vegetation. 

'Agassiz,  Louis.  Fishes  of  Lake  Superior  compared  with  those  of  the  other  Great  Canadian  Lakes. 
p.  284.  Lake  Superior  its  Physical  Character.  Vegetation,  and  Animals.  Boston,  1850. 

2Forhes,  S.  A.     A  Catalogue  of  the  Native  Fishes  of  Illinois.    Rep.  111.  State  Fish  Com.,  1886,  p.  96. 

Mordan  and  Evermann.  The  Fishes  of  North  and  Middle  America.  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  No 
47,  Pt.  I,  p.  784. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  109 

2.  Couesius   plumbeus   (Agassiz).     The   type   of  this   species   was  from 
Lake  Superior.*     It  occurs  abundantly  in  Washington  Harbor,  X,  where 
eight  specimens  were  taken,  August  31,  just  off  shore,  on  hooks  baited  with 
worms. 

3.  Argyrosomus  artedi  (LeSueur).     Lake  Herring.     X.  The  Herring  was 
observed  in  large  schools  in  Washington  Harbor  at  different  times ;   one  was 
taken  in  a  gill  net  out  in  the  harbor,  and  one  near  shore  in  about  fifteen 
feet  of  water,  August  31. 

4.  Cristivomer  namaycush  (Walbaum).      Lake  Trout.     X.  This  fish  was 
taken  at  various  times  by  trolling  off  rocky  reefs  in  Washington  Harbor 
and  along  the  north  shore  of  the  island.     The  weight  of  those  taken  varied 
from  5  to  12  pounds. 

5.  Salvelinus    fontinalis    (Mitchell).     Brook    Trout.     This  -trout   occurs 
abundantly  in  Washington  river,  II,  and  individuals  were  often  observed 
in  the  Herring  schools  in  Washington  Harbor,  just  off  shore,  X. 

6.  Lucius  masquinongy  (Mitchell).     Muskallungfe.     X.  But  one  specimen 
of  this  fish  was  observed,  which  was  speared  with  a  cant  hook  near  the  shore 
of  Washington  Harbor  on  August  2.     Weight  13  pounds. 

7.  Perca   flavescens  (Mitchell).     Yellow   Perch.     X.  Occasionally   taken 
in  Washington  Harbor  on  hooks  bated  with  worms. 

8.  Cottus  ictalops  (Rafinesque).  Millers  Thumb.     X.  Occurs  among  the 
large  rocks  along  the  shore  of  Washington  Harbor. 

3.      THE    AMPHIBIANS    OF   THE   NORTHERN    PENINSULA. 

1.  Plethodon  glutinosus  Green.     Slimy  Salamander.     I  have  examined 
a  specimen  of  this  salamander  collected  by  Dr.  E.  R.  Downing  at  Marquette. 
He  reports  it  as  occurring  commonly  in  that  locality. 

2.  Plethodon   cinereus   erythronotus   Green.     Red-backed   Salamander. 
Specimens  of  this  form  were  taken  in  decayed-logs,  especially  in  damp  places, 
at  Limestone  Mountain,  Baraga  County,  in  August,  1903,  and  in  the  Porcu- 
pine Mountains  in  August  and  September,  1903.     It  is  also  reported  by  Dr. 
Downing  from  Marquette. 

3.  Diemyctylus  viridescens  Raf.  Green  Triton  or  Newt.     I  have  examined 
a  specimen  of  this  form  taken  by  Dr.  Downing  from  a  small  tributary  to 
Dead  river,  near  Marquette. 

4.  Bufo  americanus  (Lee.).     Common  Toad.     Found  commonly  in  the 
woods  both  at  Limestone  Mountain  and  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains  in  the 
summer  of  1903,  and  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains  and  on  Isle  Roy  ale,  in  the 
same  habitat,  in  the  summer  of  1904.     It  is  reported  by  Dr.  Downing  as 
common  at  Marquette.     There  are  also  four  specimens  in  the  University 
Museum  collected  by  Dr.  A.  E.  Foote  on  Isle  Royale,  where  the  notes  of  the 
Museum  Expedition  indicate  that  it  is  very  common. 

5.  Plyla  pickeringii  Storer.     Pickering's  Tree  Frog.     A  specimen  of  this 
little  frog  was  taken  on  a  fern  in  a  damp  ravine  at  Limestone  Mountain  in 
the  summer  of  1903,  and  another  on  a  rush  in  the  beaver  meadow  on  Little 
Carp  river,  VII.  2,  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains  on  August  3,  1904.     A  speci- 
men was  also  taken  by  Dr.  C.  A.  Davis  near  Winona,   Houghton  County, 
on  September  1,  1905. 

6.  Hyla  versicolor  Lee.     Chameleon  Tree  Frog.     Dr.  Downing  writes  me 
that  he    has    taken    this  species  at  Marquette.     There  is  also  a  record  in 
the  University  Museum  (Museum  Catalogue,  Vol.  2,  p.  196)  of  a  specimen 

*Agassiz,  loc.  cit.,  p.  366. 


110  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

(No.    7457)  taken  on  Isle  Royale  by  Dr.  Foote,  which  I  have  been  unable 
to  verify. 

7.  Rana  pipiens  brachycephala  Cope.     Leopard  Frog.     The  distinction 
between  the  typical  form  of  this  species  and  the  so-called  variety  brachy- 
cephala does  not  seem  to  be  a  good  one.     If  it  is,  the  specimens  recorded 
from  the  Northern  Peninsula,  according  to  Dr.  Stejneger,  probably  belong- 
to  the  variety.     The  specimens  collected  on  the  shores  of  Carp  Lake  in  the 
summer  of  1903,  and  recorded  as  R.  pipiens*  belong  to  this  form.     Specimens' 
were  also  taken  here,  V.  1,  2,  during  the  summer  of  1904,  and  Dr.  C.  A. 
Davis  captured  four  specimens  near  Winona,  Houghton  County,  Septem- 
ber 1,  1905.     The  "  Leopard  Frog "  is  abundant  about  Marquette,  accord- 
ing to  Dr.  Downing.       Owing  to  the  resemblance  between  this  species  and 
R.  palustris  Lee.  several  specimens  from  the  Porcupine  Mountains  were 
listed  provisionally  as  palustris  in  the  1903  list.     These  have  all  been  iden- 
tified by  Dr.  Stejneger  as  R.  pipiens  brachycephala. 

8.  Rana  septentrionaEs  Baird.     Mink  Frog.     This  species  is  more  aquatic 
than  the  other  members  of  the  genus  found  in  this  region,  and  specimens 
are  thus  more  difficult  to  capture.     A  number  of  specimens  were  taken  along 
the  shores  of  Carp  Lake,  V.  1,  and  river,  IV.  1,  in  the  summer  of  1904.      It  is 
also  reported  by  Dr.  Downing  at  Marquette,  and  there  is  in  the  University 
Museum    a    specimen    taken     by     Dr.    A.    E.    Foote     on      Isle    Royale, 
that  is  labeled  R.  clamitans,  but,  owing  to  its  condition,  it  is  impossible  to 
tell  whether  it  is  to  be  referred  to  this  species  or  clamitans.     As  it  is  labeled 
clamitans,  however,  it  should  probably  be  listed  with  that  species. 

9.  Rana  clamitans  Daucl.     Green  Frog.     This  is  probably  the  most  com- 
mon frog  in  the  Northern  Peninsula,  at  least  in  the  western  part.     Several 
specimens  were  taken  in  Otter  river  near  Limestone  Mountain  in.  August, 
1903,  and  it  was  found  to  be  abundant  in  Carp,  IV.  1,  and  Little  Carp  river. 
VII.  3,  and  Lakes,  V.  1,  and  VII.  1,  in  1903  and  1904.     At  least  one  of  the 
two  specimens  listed  as  catesbiana  in  the  1903  list  belongs  to  this  species, 
and  perhaps  also  the  other.     They  are  both  characterized  by  an  obscurity 
of  the  dorso-lateral  folds.     In  the  former  specimen  this  obscurity  is  more 
pronounced  than  in  the  latter,  but  Dr.  Stejneger  states  that  the  slight  webbing 
of  the  toes  in  the  latter  indicates  that  it,  also,  belongs  to  this  species. 

10.  Rana  catesbiana  Shaw.     Bull  Frog.     See  R.  clamitans.     Dr.  Downing 
reports  this  species  from  Marquette,  but  it  is  doubtful  whether  his  specimens 
are  to  be  referred  to  this  species  or,  as  the  Porcupine  Mountain  specimens, 
to  clamitans. 

11.  Rana  sylvatica  cantabrigensis  Baird.   Cambridge  Frog.    This  variety  of 
the  Wood  Frog  is  one  of  the  most  common  amphibians  in  the  localities  where 
collecting  has  been  done  in  the  Upper  Peninsula.    It  was  found  to  be  abundant 
in  damp  woods,  especially  about  springs,  both  at  Limestone  Mountain  and 
in  the  Porcupines,  during  the  summers  of  1903  and  1904.     A  single  specimen 
was  also  taken  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Desor,  Isle  Royale;  this  was,  however, 
the  only  one  seen  on  the  island.     To  this  variety  are  to  be  referred  the 
specimens  that  were  listed  in  1903  as  R.  sylvatica. 

4.      THE   REPTILES    OF   NORTHERN    MICHIGAN. 

1.  Storeria  occipitomaculata  (Storer).  Storer's  Snake.  A  single  specimen 
of  this  snake  was  taken  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains  in  1903,  and  a  number 
of  specimens  collected  about  Marquette  by  Dr.  Downing  have  been  examined. 

*Ruthven,  Inc.  cit.,  p.  191. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  Ill 

During  the  summer  of  1904,  eight  specimens  were  taken  on  Isle  Royale. 
These  snakes,  as  has  been  stated  by  Smith,*  appear  to  be  somewhat  nocturnal 
although  not  strictly  so,  and  the  specimens  found  on  Isle  Royale  were  taken, 
for  the  most  part,  under  stones  in  the  coniferous,  VI,  and  deciduous  forest, 
III.  On  September  3,  after  a  heavy  frost,  four  adult  specimens,  very  sluggish 
on  account  of  the  cold,  were  found  under  a  stone  in  the  woods.  These 
were  brought  to  Ann  Arbor  alive.  One  of  these  snakes,  University  Museum 
Catalogue  No.  33408,  during  the  night  of  September  7  gave  birth  to  a  single 
young,  and  the  next  morning  was  found  dead ;  the  young  one  died  the  follow- 
ing night.  The  mother  was  examined  at  once,  and  six  entire  and  two  muti- 
lated embryos  were  removed.  As  the  mutilated  specimens  were  nearest 
the  opening  of  the  oviduct,  it  is  possible  that  they  may  have  been  killed 
by  an  injury  to  the  mother  in  rolling  over  the  stone  under  which  she  was 
found,  and  prevented  the  birth  of  those  that  lay  behind  them.  The  young 
snake  was  45  mm.  long,  of  a  rich  dark  brown  above,  and  pink  below.  As 
in  the  adult  specimens,  the  pink  was  confined  to  the  center  of  the  gastro- 
steges,  not  extending  to  the  edges.  The  upper  occipital  spot  was  bright 
yellow  and  well  defined;  the  laterals  smaller  and  less  distinct,  although 
plainly  present. 

Another  adult,  University  Museum  Catalogue  No.  33409,  died  on  Septem- 
ber 10.  Tliis  is  also  a  female  and  possesses  four  nearly  mature  embryos 
in  the  right  oviduct.  The  left  oviduct  is  flattened  out  against  the  dorsal 
body  wall  and  contains  but  one  very  small  embryo  which  lies  in  the 
lower  part  of  the  oviduct;  notwithstanding  its  small  size,  however,  it  is 
evidently  nearly  mature,  as  the  yolk  has  entirely  disappeared. 

During  the  night  of  September  19,  a  third  specimen,  University  Museum 
Catalogue  No.  33410,  gave  birth  to  nine  young,  one  of  which  was  dead. 
The  fourth  specimen,  University  Museum  Catalogue  No.  33411,  during  the 
night  of  September  26  gave  birth  to  seven  young,  one  of  which  was  dead. 
These  records  are  interesting  on  account  of  the  questions  which  they  raise,  as  to 
the  size  of  the  young  at  the  time  of  hibernation.  On  the  Isle,  during  the 
first  part  of  September,  the  nights  were  cold,  and  heavy  frosts  occurred 
frequently,  so  that  the  specimens  found  in  the  morning  were  very  sluggish, 
and  the  time  of  hibernation  was  probably  near  at  hand. 

Since  the  above  was  written,  the  University  Museum  has  received  two 
specimens  from  Dr.  C.  A.  Davis,  which  were  taken  on  Paint  River,  near  Crys- 
tal Falls,  Iron  County,  on  August  22,  1905. 

2.  Diadophis   punctatus    (L.).    Ring-necked   Snake.     Specimens   of   this 
snake  have  been  taken  by  Dr.  Downing  at  Marquette. 

3.  ThamnopMs  sirtalis  sirtalis  (L.).   Common  Garter  Snake.    Specimens  of 
the  Common  Garter  Snake  have  been  taken  at  Marquette  by  Dr.  Downing,  and 
near  Limestone  Mountain  (1903),  in  the  Porcupines  (1903  and  1904),  and  on 
Isle  Royale  (1904).     They  are  more  commonly  found  along  the  streams, 
although  they  are  also  often  found  in  forest  clearings.     The  University 
Museum  has  recently  received  a  specimen  from  Dr.  C.  A.  Davis,  which  was 
taken  in  the  woods  near  Bessemer,  Gogebic  county,  August  28, 1905.     There 
are  four  specimens  (No.  7454)  listed  in  the  University  Museum  Catalogue, 
Vol.  2,  p.  196,  as  taken  on  Isle  Royale  by  Dr.  Foote.      These  specimens  are 
probably  the  basis  for  Smith's  Isle  Royale  locality.! 

4.  Thamnophis   sirtalis   parietalis    (Say).     Pacific    Garter   Snake.     This 

*Smith,  W.  H.     Report  on  the  Reptiles  and  Amphibians  of   Ohio,   p.   698.   Geological   Survey  of 
Ohio,  Vol.  IV.,  1882. 
tSroith,  loc.  cit.,  p.  680. 


112  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

snake  has  been  listed  from  the  Lower  Peninsula,*  but  I  have  never  seen 
a  specimen  from  southern  Michigan  that  could  be  definitely  referred  to  this 
variety.  Sirtalis  forms  with  a  varying  amount  of  red  on  the  skin  between 
the  lateral  spots  are  often  found  about  Ann  Arbor,  but  the  amount  of  red 
is  so  small  that  it  is  generally  more  satisfactory  to  classify  the  specimens 
with  the  typical  form.  *During  the  past  summer,  however,  three  specimens 
were  taken  on  Isle  Royale,  II,  III,  that  strikingly  resemble  specimens  from 
Colorado  and  Washington  and  can  only  be  referred  to  the  variety. 
The  dorsal  row  of  spots,  as  in  typical  specimens  of  the  variety,  are  fused 
into  a  band  along  either  side  of  the  dorsal  stripe,  which  is  united  below  with 
the  row  of  spots  above  the  lateral  stripes.  Between  the  scales  the  skin  is 
Orange  Red  Tint  No.  1  (using  Milton  Bradley  colors).  One  of  these  is  a 
female  containing  28  embryos  not  yet  mature,  as  a  large  yolk  body  is  present. 

5.  Thamnophis  saurita  (L.).     Riband  Snake.     There  is  a  record  in  the 
University  Museum  Catalogue,  Vol.  2,  p.  196,  of  a  specimen  (No.  7452)  of 
this  snake  taken  on  Isle  Royale  by  Dr.  Foote,  which  I  have  been  unable  to 
verify. 

6.  Chrysemys    marginata    Agassiz.     Painted    Tortoise.     A    number    of 
specimens  were  taken  on  Carp  river,  IV.  1,  in  the  Porcupine  Mountains  in 
1904.     It  is  also  reported  from  Marquette  by  Dr.  Downing. 

*Clark,  H.  L.     Notes  on  the  Reptiles  and  Batrachians  of  Eaton  County.      Fourth  Annual   Report 
Michigan  Academy  of  Science,  pp.  192-194. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  113 


ANNOTATED  LIST  OF  THE  BIRDS  OF  THE  PORCUPINE  MOUN- 
TAINS AND  ISLE  ROYALE,  MICHIGAN.* 


N.    A.    WOOD,    MAX    M.    PEET,    AND    O.    MCCREARY, 


1.       PORCUPINE    MOUNTAINS. 

The  following  observations  upon  the  birds  cover  a  period  from  July  13 
to  August  13,  1904.  For  the  determination  of  certain  specimens  from  both 
the  Porcupine  Mountains  and  Isle  Roy  ale,  we  are  indebted  to  Mr.  Robert 
Ridgway  and  Mr.  H.  C.  Oberhdlser  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  and  to 
Dr.  C.  Hart  Merriam,  Chief  of  the  Biological  Survey  of  the  U.  S.  Depart- 
ment of  Agriculture. 

1.  Podilymbus  podiceps.     Pied-billed  Grebe.     Station  VII.  Sub.  1.  One 
seen  on  Little  Carp  Lake,  August  3.     VII.  3.  One  was  seen  August  7,  on 
Little  Carp  river. 

2.  Gavia  imber.     Loon.     I.  One  seen  on  Lake  Superior  August  5,  and 
two  July  21.     V.  3.  One  seen  on  Carp  Lake  August  10. 

3.  Larus    argentatus.     Herring    Gull.     I.  Several    adults    observed    at 
various  times  along  the  lake.     Common  at  Ontonagon,  Mich.,  July  12,  13, 
and  August  13  and  14. 

4.  Merganser   americanus.     American   Merganser.     I.  An   adult   female 
and  nine  or  ten  young  were  seen  July  21  on  Lake  Superior. 

5.  Lophodytes    cucullatus.     Hooded    Merganser.     IV.     1.  Adult    female 
and  young  found  on  Carp  river,  July  19  and  20;  also  observed  July  18. 

6.  Botaurus  lentiginosus.     American  Bittern.     I.  One  seen  in  the  bushes 
along  the  lake  shore,  August  12.      IV.  1.   One  seen  along  Carp  river  July 
18,  and  one  shot  July  19. 

7.  Ardea  herodias.     Great  Blue  Heron.     IV.  1.  One  seen  July  16.     V.  2. 
One  adult  male  in  breeding  plumage  seen  at  Carp  lake,  August  6.     One 
was  seen  flying  across  Carp  Lake,  July  30. 

8.  Porzana  Carolina.     Sora.     V.  2.  An  adult  male  taken  on  the  delta 
at  the  eastern  end  of  Carp  Lake,  August  5. 

9.  Gallinago    delicata.     Wilson    Snipe.     IV.    1.  An    adult    male    taken 
along  Carp  river,  July   19.     One  observed  feeding  July   17.     IV.   2.  One 
seen  in  a  grassy  marsh  along  Carp  river,  July  18. 

10.  Actodromas   minutilla.     Least    Sandpiper.     I.  One    seen    along   the 
Lake  Superior  shore,  July  21.     VII.  2.  Adult  male  taken  and  several  speci- 
mens seen  at  the  beaver  meadow  on  August  3. 

11.  Totanus  flavipes.     Yellow-legs.     VII.     2.  Immature  and  adult  males 
taken  at  the  beaver  meadow  August  3. 

12.  Helodromas  solitarius.     Solitary  Sandpiper.     I.  One  seen  on  the  Lake 
.Superior  beach,  July  27.     IV.  1.  Immature  males,  adult  male  and  females, 
taken  along  Carp  river,  July  27  and  28.     Common  along  Carp  river,  July 

*A  preliminary  note  was  published  by  N.  A.  Wood,  Auk,  XXII,  pp.  175-178,  1905. 
15 


114  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

18  and  August  10.     VII.  2.  Several  were  seen  along  Little  Carp  river  in  the 
beaver  meadow. 

13.  Actitis  macularia.     Spotted  Sandpiper.     I.  One  male  taken  on  the 
Lake  Superior  beach  August  13.     IV.  1.  Two  seen  along  Carp  river,  August  3. 

14.  Bonasa   umbellus   togata.     Canadian   Ruffed   Grouse.     II.    2.  Several 
bevies  of  quite  small  young  were  seen  July  17.     Both  old  and  young  were 
seen  several  times.     II.  3.  Large  bevies  of  young  were  seen  in  a  clearing- 
near  camp.     An  adult  bird  was  killed  in  the  camp  clearing  by  a  Sharp- 
shinned  Hawk.     II.  5.  A  female  with  a  large  bevy  of  young  was  seen  July 
18.     A  large  flock  of  young,  unable  to  fly,  and  several  nearly  full  grown 
were  seen  August  1.     III.  2.  Several  flocks  of  both  young  and  adults  were 
seen  on  the  mountain  top  during  July.     IV.  3.  Both  young  and   old  were 
seen  several  times  in  the  forest. 

15.  Circus  hudsonius.     Marsh  Hawk.     II.  3.  An  adult  female  was  seen 
fighting  with  a  Sparrow  Hawk,  August  8.      IV.  2.    A  male  was  observed 
hunting,  August  3.     V.  I.  One  was  seen  along  the  shore  of  Carp  Lake  August 
3.     VII.  2.  One  was  seen  near  the  beaver  meadows,  August  3. 

16.  Accipiter  velox.     Sharp-shinned  Hawk.     II.  1.  An  adult  male  taken 
July  27  and  a  female  July  26.     II.  3.  One  seen  July  13  in  the  camp  clearing. 
Several  were  seen  below  camp  toward  the  Carp  river.     III.  5.    They  were 
frequently  seen   circling  over  the   cliff  in  the  morning.     IV.  2.  An  adult 
female  taken,  August  7,  near  Carp  river. 

17.  Buteo    borealis.     Red-tailed    Hawk.     II.    2.  Two    were    seen   flying 
overhead  July  20.     II.  3.  One  seen  circling  over  the  clearing  August  8. 
III.  Seen  flying  overhead  on  July  20,  and  at  other  times. 

18.  Buteo  lineatus.     Red-shouldered  Hawk.     One  seen  July  13  in  the 
hemlock  forest  near  Union  Bay.     The  bird  was  on  a  tall  dead  tree,  which 
afforded  a  good  view  of  it  (Wood). 

19.  Buteo  platypterus.     Broad-winged  Hawk.     II.  2.  Young  male,  female 
and  adult  female  taken  August  12.     The  only  ones  seen. 

20.  Haliaetus    leucocephalus.     Bald    Eagle.     III.    5.  One    seen    circling 
over  the  cliff,  July  31,  and  two  were  observed  on  wing  July  29.     V.  One  was 
seen  circling  over  Carp  Lake  July  29.     Two  were  observed  at  Union  Bay 
on  July  23. 

21.  Falco  columbarius.     Pigeon  Hawk.     Several  were  seen  at  Union  Bay 
and  two  were  taken  July  23. 

22.  Falco  .sparverius.     American  Sparrow  Hawk.     II.  1.  Female  taken 
in  cedar  swamp  July  23.     II.  3.  One  young  female  was  taken  August  4. 
Several  were  seen  August  8,  both  young  and  adults.     An  immature  male 
was  taken  July  28.     These  Hawks  came  into  the  camp  clearing  searching 
for  grasshoppers.     III.  5.  Frequently  observed  sitting  on  dead  stubs  near 
the  edge  of  the  cliff  in  the  early  morning.     IV.  3.  A  nest  with  young  was 
found  in  an  old  pine  stub  in  the  hardwoods,  July  16.     Observed  several 
times  flying  along  the  river.     VII.  1.  Seen  at  Little  Carp  Lake,  August  3 
and  7. 

23.  Pandion    haliaetus    carolinensis.     Osprey.     V.     3.  One    seen    over 
Carp  Lake  July  23,  and  on  August  10.     One  was  also  observed  at  Iron  river, 
northeast  of  the  Porcupines,  July  13. 

24.  Asio  magellanicus  occidentalis.     Great  Horned  Owl.     II.   1.  Young 
of  the  year  taken  and  two  others  seen  July  26.     One  seen  among  the  hem- 
locks and  maples,  July  30. 

25.  Coccyzus  erythropthalmus.     Black-billed  Cuckoo.     II.  2.  Was  heard 
many  times  in  the  hardwood  forest.     II.  3.  One  was  seen  July  17  near  the 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  115 

camp.     Late  in  the  evening,  about  9  p.  m.  of  July  20,  one  was  heard.     One 
was  seen  July  15  in  the  aspens.     An  adult  female  was  taken  July  21.     IV. 

2.  The  call  was  heard  many  times  in  the  alders.      IV.  3.    One  was  seen    in 
the  woods  at  the  foot  of  the  talus. 

'   26.     Ceryle  alcyon.     Belted   Kingfisher.     II.   3.  One   alighted   upon  the 
house  top.     IV.  2.  Two  birds  were  seen  many  times  along  Carp  river.     V. 

3.  One  seen  near  Carp  Lake  July  16  and  an  adult  female  was  taken  July 
28.      VII.  1  and  2.  Several  were  observed  at  Little  Carp  Lake  and  at  the 
beaver  meadows,  August  2  and  3. 

27.  Dryobates    villosus.     Hairy    Woodpecker.     II.    1.  One    adult    male 
was  taken  July  21  in  the  cedar  swamp.     II.  2.  A  young  male  wag  taken 
July  22,  and  adult  females  July  24  and  29.     II.  3.  An  adult  female  was 
taken  August  10  in  the  clearing.     III.  A  male  and  female  were  seen  August 
10  on  a  dead  Norway  pine.     III.  5.  Often  found  on  the  dead  stubs  on  top 
of,  or  overhanging  the  cliff.     VII.  1.  One  seen  at  Little  Carp  Lake,  August 
7.     VII.  2.  One  seen  at  the  beaver  meadow,  August  3. 

28.  Dryobates  pubescens  medianus.     Downy  Woodpecker.     II.  3.  Young 
males  were  taken  near  camp  August  2  and  August  7,  and  an  adult  male 
was  taken  July  28.     III.  3.  Male  and  female  seen  near  camp,  August  10 
on  Norway  pines.     III.  5.  Only  seen  once,  August  12,  upon  a  decayed  pine 
stump.      IV.  2.    One  seen  in  the  tag  alders,  July    27.      IV.  3.    One  was 
seen  in  the  maples  at  the   foot  of  the   cliff,  July  28.     VII.  One  was  seen 
August  6,  at  Little  Carp  Lake. 

29.  Picoides  arcticus.     Arctic  Three-toed  Woodpecker.     II.  1.  One  was 
seen  on  the  road  to  camp,  July  13,  and  an  adult  male  was  taken  July  21. 

30.  Sphyrapicus    varius.     Yellow-bellied    Sapsucker.     II.    3.  A    young 
female  was  taken  near  camp  July  28.     VI.  One  seen  near  Little  Carp  Lake, 
August  3,  and  again  on  August  9.     One  was  seen  at  Little  Iron  river,  east 
of  the  Porcupines,  July  13. 

31.  Coephloeus  pileatus  abieticola.     Northern  Pileated  Woodpecker.     II. 
1.  A  young  female  was  taken  July  27.     II.  2.  An  adult  female  was  taken 
August  1  in  the  hardwoods.      "A  young  male  was  taken  July  28      This 
I  called  to  the  tree  nearest  to  me  by  clapping  my  hands,  the  method  suggested 
in  Chapman's  Handbook.     Two  were  called  on  this  occasion  and  came  within 
easy  gun  shot.     After  being  called,  they  alighted  and  kept  up  a  calling 
and  drumming  noise."    (Peet).     "In  the  hardwood  forest  I  saw  a  dead 
hard  maple  which  showed  to  good  advantage  the  work  of  this  bird.     The 
tree  contained  many  holes,  some  from  10  to  20  inches  long;  others  6  to  8 
inches  wide  and  deep.     These  birds  seem  to  have  the  habit  of  working  a 
tree  very  thoroughly."  (Wood).     VI.  Several  were  seen  and  heard  August 
7  and  8,  in  the   vicinity  of  Little  Carp  Lake.     One  was  seen  about  a  mile 
south  of  Carp  Lake,  on  a  hemlock.     One  was  seen  near  Union  Bay,  east 
of  the  Porcupines,  in  a  forest  of  large  hemlocks  with  scattered  white  pine 
and  a  few  maples,  July  13. 

32.  Colaptes    auratus    luteus.     Northern    Flicker.     II.    1.  Several    were 
seen  in  a  clearing  near  the  Lake  Superior  shore,  August  4.     II.  2.  A  young 
male  was  taken  July  19.     II.  3.  One  was  seen  July  17  flying  over  camp. 
III.  2.  Several  were  seen  and  a  young  male  was  taken  July  26,  on  the  moun- 
tain top.     Common,  especially  the  young.      III.  1.  Several  seen  at  different 
times  on  the  stumps  on  the  face  of  the  cliff.     IV.  3.  One  seen  July  15,  in 

.the  hardwoods  near  camp. 

33.  Chaetura   pelagica.     Chimney   Swift.     I.  Several  seen,   flying  over- 
head, along  the  Lake  Superior  shore,  July  27.     II.  3.  Several  were  seen. 


116  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

in  the  evening  of  August  9  about  camp,  and  an  adult  female  was  taken. 
IV.  From  the  mountain  top  these  birds  were  seen  many  times  on  wing 
over  the  valley  of  Carp  river,  July  19  and  20.  V.  Observed  flying  over 
Carp  Lake  on  several  occasions.  Seen  at  the  mouth  of  Carp  river,  July  31. 

34.  Trochilus  colubris.      Ruby-throated  Hummingbird.      VII.  A  female 
came  many  times  to  feed  from  flowers  within  about  20  feet  of  our  breakfast 
camp  fire,  at  Little  Carp  Lake,  August  7.     Another  was  seen  at  Little  Carp 
Lake,  August  9. 

35.  Tyrannus  tyrannus.     Kingbird.     II.  1.  Seen  near  the  Lake  Superior 
shore  August   13.     VI.  One  was  seen  near    Little  Carp  Lake,   August  7. 
On  Ailgust  8  four  birds,  two  young  and  two  adults,  were  seen  at  a  small 
lake  two  miles  southwest  of  Little  Carp  Lake. 

36.  Sayornis  phoebe.     Phoebe.     III.  5.  Was  seen  on  the  south  side  of 
the  cliff  north  of  Carp  Lake,  July  29. 

37.  Nuttallornis    borealis.     Olive-sided    Flycatcher.     II.    1.  Adult    male 
and  female  were  taken  July  27,  and  an  adult  male  was  seen,  and  a  female 
taken  August  4,  in  an  arbor  vitae  clearing  near  the  Lake  shore.     IV.  4.  Two 
birds  were  seen  in  a  tamarack  swamp,  July  28. 

38.  Contopus  virens.     Wood  Pewee.     II.  1.  An  adult  female  was  taken 
July  30.     II.  2.  Several  were  seen  in  open  woodland.     One  nest  was  found 
July  23  in  a  tree,  about  60  feet  from  the  ground.     VI.  One  was  heard  on 
the  trail  to  Government  Peak,  July  26. 

39.  Empidonax  trailli    alnorum.     Alder    Flycatcher.     IV.    2.  Observed 
catching  insects  along  the  bank  of  Carp  river.     Several  were  seen  in  the 
alders  along  the  river  July  18.     An  adult  male  and  female  were  taken  July 
22;  these  were  among  the  willows  when  shot. 

40.  Empidonax  minimus.     Least  Flycatcher.     II.  1.  Two  wrere  seen  in 
a  clearing  in  the  arbor  vitae  swamp  near  the  lake  shore,  and  an  adult  male 
and  female  were  taken  July  27.     IV.  2.  Several  were  seen  along  Carp  river, 
August  6,  and  two  were  seen  in  the  alders  along  Carp  river,  July  18. 

41.  Cyanocitta  cristata.     Blue  Jay.     III.  5.  Several  seen  at  top  of  bluff 
July  23,  and  a  female  was  taken  July  17.     IV.  3.  Often  seen  along  the  river 
bank;  an  adult  male  shot  July  18.     VII.  Several  were  seen  at  Little  Carp 
Lake  August  3,  and  one  was  seen  August  7. 

42.  Perisoreus  canadensis.      Canada  Jay.      VI.  One  was  seen  near  Little 
Carp  Lake,  August  7. 

43.  Corvus   corax   principalis.     Northern   Raven.     I.  Observed   several 
times  near  Lake  Superior.     II.  3.  One  was  seen  flying  over  camp  July  15, 
and  one  was  heard  August  12.     One  alighted  upon  the  roof  of  the  barn  and 
was  seen  in  the  vicinity  of  the  camp  several  times.     III.  Seen  flying  over 
the  mountain  top.     III.  5.  Often  seen  flying  over  the  cliff,  between  July 
5  and  July  26.     Adult  males  were  taken,  August  5  and  July  30,  on  the  cliff. 
Usually  seen  flying  toward  this  cliff  toward  evening,  about  a  dozen  in  a  flock. 
IV.  Was  seen  flying  over  the  valley  many  times.     V.  Nine  were  counted 
flying  over  Carp  Lake  July  29.     VII.  One  was  seen  at  Little  Carp  Lake, 
August  2. 

44.  Corvus  brachyrhynchos.     American  Crow.     I.  Common  on  the  shore 
of  Lake  Superior.     II.  3.  One  seen  upon  a  dead  tree  near  camp.     III.  2. 
Observed  flying  overhead.     III.  5.  Common  on  the  bluff  July  15,  and  on 
Ju'y  18  several  were  seen  on  a  dead  pine.     IV.  2  and  3.  Often  seen  at  the 
foot  of  the  cliff,  near  the  river,  resting  on  tall  tamaracks. 

45.  Agelaius  phoeniceus.     Red-winged  Blackbird.     IV.  2.  Several  were 
seen  August  6,  and  on  August  8    a  young  male  was  taken. 


ECOLOGY    OP    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  117 

46.  Carpodacus   purpureus.     Purple   Finch.     II.    1.  Was   often  seen  in 
the  coniferous  trees.     An  adult  female  was  taken  July  27.     II.  3.  "I  found 
these  very  plentiful,  and  they  did  not  appear  to  be  paired.     The  males  and 
females  usually  coming  in  separate  flocks."  (Peet).     An  adult  male  was  taken 
July  14,  and  both  sexes  again  July  15.    These  birds  visited  the  camp  for  table 
refuse.     IV.  2.  Was  seen  feeding  in  the  tamaracks  August  3  and  4.      VII. 
Observed  at  Little  Carp  Lake,  August  2. 

47.  Loxia   curvirostra   minor.     American   Crossbill.     II.    3.  Adult   male 
and  female  were  taken  at  camp,  August  5.     These  birds  often  came  to  camp 
to  pick  up  crumbs.     IV.  4.  An  adult  male  was  taken  August  4.     A  small 
flock  was  seen  near  the  upper  part  of  the  river,  August  5.     Observed  feeding 
among  tamaracks,  August  3  and  4. 

48.  Loxia  leucoptera.     White-winged  Crossbill.     IV.  4.  Adult  male  and 
three  females  were  taken  August  5.     The  crops  of  these  birds  were  full  of 
tamarack  seeds.     VII.  2.  A  flock  was  seen  at  the  beaver  meadow,  August  3. 

49.  Spinus  pinus.     Pine  Siskin.     II.  2.  Common  among  coniferous  trees 
July  13  and  August  12.     II.  3.  A  female  came  to  camp  and  was  seen  to  pick 
up  some  hair  and  fly  away.     Adult  males  were  taken  at  camp,  July  15  and 
25,  and  August  9.     The  birds  about  camp  showed  little  fear,  and  would  fly 
within  about  three  feet  of  one,  to  pick  up  crumbs.     The  males  secured  had 
very  large  testes.     IV.  4.  They  were  observed  many  times  in  the  tamarack 
swamp  August  3  and  4.     VII.  2.  Were    seen    near   the    beaver    meadow,,, 
August  3. 

50.  Pooecetes  gramineus.     Vesper  Sparrow.     III.   2.  Several  were  seen 
on  the  top  of  the  mountain,  August  10.     III.  5.  Several  were  seen  on  the  top 
of  the  cliff  on  July  26;  a  large  flock  was  also  seen  here  August  3.     They 
appeared  to  be  migrating. 

51.  Zonotrichia   albicollis.     White-throated    Sparrow.     II.    2.  An    adult 
female  was  taken  July  22  and  an  adult  male  August  5,  in  the  hardwoods. 
II.  3.  One  was  heard  singing  at  dusk,  July  18,  in  the  clearing.     IV.  2.  One 
adult  male  was  taken  July  21  near  Carp  river,  and  an  adult  female  was  taken 
August  5.     Often  seen  and  heard  singing  towards  evening  along  the  river. 
IV.  4.  Several  were  seen  in  a  tamarack  swamp  July  28.     VII.  Several  .were 
seen  at  Little  Carp  Lake  August  7.     VII.  2.  A  number  were  seen  at  the  beaver 
meadow,  August  3.     One  was  seen  on  the  road  from  the  Porcupines  to 
Ontonagon  August  14. 

52.  Spizella  socialis.     Chipping  Sparrow.     III.   2.  An  adult  male  was 
taken  July  20.     III.  5.    Several  were  seen  on  the  top  of  the  cliff  July  26, 
and  a  small  flock  on  August  3.     VII.  Seen  at  Little  Carp  Lake  August  2. 

53.  Junco    hy emalis.     Slate-colored    Junco.     III.    2.  Abundant    at    all 
times  on  top  of  the  cliff.     Many  were  seen  with  insects,  as  if  caring  for  young; 
they  were  always  in  the  open  or  near  the  edge   of   a  clearing  (Peet).     III. 
5.  On  the  top  of  the  mountain  a  female  was  seen  feeding  young  on  July  27, 
and  an  adult  female  was  taken  July  17.     VII.  Observed  at  Little-Carp  Lake, 
August  2. 

54.  Melospiza   cinerea  melodia.     Song   Sparrow.    »II.    1.  One   was   seen 
in  a  clearing  near  Lake  Superior,  July  25.     II.  3.  An  adult  female  was  taken, 
July  21,  near  camp.     IV.  2.  A  young  female  was  taken  near  Carp  river. 
Adults  were  observed  feeding  fully  fle'dged  young,  July  22. 

55.  Melospiza   georgiana.     Swamp   Sparrow.     IV.    2.  Very   common   in 
t4ie  valtey.     Adult  males  wrere  taken  July  21  and  22,  and  young  females  July 
28  and  31.     The  adults  were  observed  feeding  fully  fledged  young  July  22. 
VII.  2.  Observed  at  the  beaver  meadow,  August  3. 


118  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

56.  Zamelodia  ludoviciana.  '  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak.     III.  5.  One  seen 
at  the  edge  of  the  cliff  July  23.     IV.  2.  One  was  seen  in  the  alders  July  23. 
A  young  male  and  female  were  taken  in  the  tamaracks,  August  5. 

57.  Cyanospiza  cyanea.     Indigo   Bunting.     II.   3.  An  adult  female  was 
taken   while  eating  weed  seeds  in  the  clearing  near  camp,  July  21.     This 
was  the  only  one  seen. 

58.  Piranga   erythromelas.     Scarlet   Tanager.     III.    5.  Adult   male   and 
female  were  seen  July  15,  and  an  adult  male  was  seen  July  26.     VI.  One 
was  heard  along  the  trail  to  Government  Peak,  July  26. 

59.  Tachycineta  bicolor.     Tree  Swallow.     VII.  2.  One  was  seen  at  the 
beaver  meadow,  August  3. 

60.  Ampelis  cedrorum.     Cedar  Waxwing.     II.  1.  One  adult  female  was 
taken  August   13;  was   frequently  observed   along  the  lake  shore.     II.  2. 
Seen  flying  overhead.     II.   3.  An  adult  male  was  taken  July  19.     These 
birds  came  repeatedly  to  the  camp  to  pick  up  crumbs,  etc.  near  the  door 
of  the  shack.     III.  2.  Frequently  seen  on  the  top  of  the  cliff  and  observed 
feeding  on  berries.     III.  5.  Several  were  seen  July  26,  along  the  edge  of  the 
cliff.     Frequently  observed  at  this  locality,  always  in  flocks.     IV.   2.   Very 
common  along  Carp  river.     An  adult  female  was  seen  August  2  building  a 
nest  in  the  alders  overhanging  Carp  river.     VI.  Several  were  seen  at  a  small 
lake  below  Little  Carp  Lake  on  August  7. 

61.  Vireo  olivaceous.     Red-eyed  Vireo.     II.  1.  Abundant  at  this  station. 
II.  2.  One  was  heard  in  the  hardwoods  July  14.     An  adult  male  was  taken 
July  20.     Several  were  seen  with  young  just  able  to  fly.     II.  3.  At  camp 
an  adult  male  was  taken  July  19,  and  young  were  taken  July  15  and  20. 
These  birds  were  common  about  camp,  in  the  aspens.     IV.  2.  On  July  22 
one  was  seen  singing  in  the  alders.     Abundant  along  the  river.     VII.  2.  Seen 
near  the  beaver  meadow,  August  3. 

62.  Vireo   solitarius.     Blue-headed    Vireo.     II.    1.  An    adult   male    and 
female  were  taken  July  27.     IV.  4.  Were  seen  in  a  tamarack  swamp,  and 
an  adult  male  and  female  were  taken  August  5. 

63.  Mniotilta  varia.      Black   and  White  Warbler.     VI.   The  only  one 
seen  was  on  a  small  maple  tree  south  of  Carp  river,  August  5. 

64.  Dendroica    caerulescens.     Black-throated    Blue    Warbler.     II.    2.  A 
pair  was  found  July  17,  whose  actions  indicated  a  nest  was  near.     A  young 
bird  in  the  down  and  an  adult  male  were  taken  July  20.     Several  were  seen 
on  August  1.     An  abundant  bird  at  this  station,  the  young  and  adults  were 
common  in  the  hardwoods  and  usually  in  low  brush.     An  adult  female  was 
taken  July  16.     II.  3.  A  female  seen  feeding  young  near  the  edge  of  a  clear- 
ing July  20.     II.   5.  Many  seen  whose  restless  manner  indicated  a  nest. 
Usually  seen  in  young  maples  about  four  feet  high.        II.    2.    Frequently 
in   the    low   growth    along   the    path    in    the    hardwoods.      IV.    2.  Often 
seen    in    the    bushes    bordering    Carp    river.       VI.    Several    males    and 
females  were  seen  in  the  vicinity  of  Little  Carp  Lake,  August  7. 

65.  Dendroica    coronata.       Myrtle    Warbler.       I.       Adults    and    young 
birds  were  seen  in  the  brush  near  the  shore  of  Lake  Superior,  July  16.     III. 
3.  A  young  male  was  taken  August  10.     Several  birds  were  seen  in  a  flock 
among  the  tops  of  the  Norway  pines. 

66.  Dendroica  maculosa.  .  .Magnolia   Warbler.     II.    1.  A   mule  was  seen 
and  a  female  taken  July  21.     Was  always  to  he  found  among  cedars  near 
Lake  Superior.     Two   were  seen,   August   1,  on   dump   land   quite  thickly 
overgrown  with  bushes  and  tall  grass.     IV.  4.  An  adult    male  was  taken 
July  21.     Several  were  seen  feeding  in  the  tops  of  tamarack  trees,  and  heard 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.      _  119 

singing  July  28.     On  July  18  they  were  also  observed  in  the  tamaracks. 
'VI.  Seen  near  a  stream  on  the  trail  to  Government  Peak  July  26. 

67.  Dendroica  pensylvanica.     Chestnut-sided  Warbler.     IV.  2.  An  adult 
female  was  taken  July  28;  and  several  were  seen  near  Carp  river. 

68.  Dendroica  blackburniae.     Blackburnian  Warbler.     II.  1.  A  pair  with 
two  young  were  seen  in  the  tops  of  birches,  July  14.     On  August  1  several 
adults  and  young  were  seen  in  birches  on  marshy  land.     II.  2.  Observed 
several  times  between  July  13  and  30.     II.  3.  A  female,  with  young  in  the 
down,  were  taken  July  14.     A  young  male  was  taken  July  19.     Several  were 
seen  near  camp  with  young.     II.  5.  Small  flocks  of  adults  and  young  were 
seen  several  times  feeding  in  the  tops  of  young  maples.     IV.  3.  Seen  at  the 
foot  of  the  talus  slope  among  the  maple  trees  July  15. 

69.  Dendroica  virens.     Black-throated  Green  Warbler.     II.  1.  An  adult 
male  taken  July  30,  along  the  lake  shore.     II.  2.  Common  in  the  hard- 
woods; an  immature  male  was  taken  July  20,  and  an  adult  July  18.     III.  2. 
Several  were  seen  feeding  in  the  tops  of  Norway  pines  on  the  mountain  top 
August  10.     III.  5.  Seldom  seen  at  this  station.     A  young  male  was  seen 
here  July  20.     IV.  2.  An  immature  male  was  taken  August  5.     Common 
among  the  alders  along  Carp  river. 

70.  Dendroica  vigorsii.     Pine  Warbler.     III.   2.  Seen  carrying  food  to 
young  in  top  of  a  Norway  pine,  at  the  edge  of  the  cliff. 

71.  Seiurus    aurocapillus.     Oven-bird.     II.    2.  A    nest    containing    two 
eggs  and  one  young  bird  was  found  in  the  leaves  near  the  path  through  the 
hardwoods,  July  15.     Young  in  nearly  all  stages  of  plumage  were  seen. 
Two  were  seen  in  the  maple  undergrowth,  August  11,  and  a  young  male  was 
taken  July  21.     II.  5.  An  adult  male  was  taken  in  a  trap  set  for  mammals 
near  tlje  top  of  the  bluff,  July  15.     Many  young  birds  were  seen,  usually  on 
the  ground  among  the  b,ushes,  but  sometimes  running  ahead  in  the  path  like 
quail  (Peet).      III.    2.    Several  were  seen  singly  in  the  aspens  bordering 
the  bare  mountain  top.     IV.  2.  Seen  several  times  among  the  alders  along 
Carp  river. 

72.  Seiurus  noveboracensis.     Water  Thrush.     IV.  2.  Seen  several  times 
in  the  alders  along  Carp  river,  one  was  seen  July  22.     A  bird  was  seen  July 
13  east  of  the  Porcupines,  on  the  road  to  Ontonagon. 

73.  Geothlypis  agilis.     Connecticut  Warbler.     II.  1.  Adult  females  were 
taken  July  27  and  August  4.     On  July  27,  four  of  these  birds  were  seen  in 
a  marshy  strip  of  land  thickly  overgrown  with  birch  and  long  grass,  but 
shaded  with  large  hemlocks. 

74.  Geothlypis    Philadelphia.     Mourning  Warbler.     II.    Seen  among  the 
brush  of  open  woodland,  August  4.     II.  3.  A  female  and  her  young  were 
taken  July  15.     An  adult  male  was  taken  at  the  camp,  July  14.     Two  females 
were  seen,  each  with  one  young  bird  just  able  to  flutter  along  in  the  low 
weeds.     When  the  young  were  shot  the  females  remained  near  by  and  kept 
up  a  sharp  chirping  and  jerking  movement  of  the  body.     Two  males  were 
taken,  one  of  these  appeared  greatly  excited  when  approached  and  flew  from 
tree  to  tree  among  the  young  aspens,  grasping  the  trunk  of  the  trees  so  that 
its  body  was  at  right  angle  to  the  tree.     They  remained  within  about  five 
feet  of  the  ground  (Peet).     IV.  2.  Was  seen  several  times  among  the  alders 
along  Carp  river  and  last  seen  August  5.     VII.  An  adult  and  one  young  bird 
were  seen  among  the  brush  on  a  bluff  at  Little  Carp  Lake,  August  7. 

75.'  Geothlypis    trichas    brachidactyla.     Northern    Yellow-throat.     IV.    2. 
One  was  seen,  scolding  vigorously,  in  the  brush  near  the  boat  landing,  July 


120  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

22,  on  Carp  river.     VII.   1.  One  was  seen  at  Little  Carp  Lake,  August  7 
among  the  low  brush  growing  on  a  rocky  bluff  over  the  lake. 

76.  Wilsonia    canadensis.     Canadian    Warbler.     II.     1.     Seen    several 
times  among  cedars  along  the  Lake  Superior  shore,  July  13-August  2.     An 
adult  female  was  taken  August  2.     IV.  2.  An  adult  female  was  taken  July 
31  and  again  on  August  2.     One  was  seen  July  15   with  an  insect  in  its  bill 
and  acted  as  if  young  were  near. 

77.  Setophaga    ruticilla.     American    Redstart.     II.    1.  An    adult    male 
was  seen  July  16,  and  several  were  observed  in  tall  birches  on  July  17,  near 
the  Lake  Superior  shore.     An  adult  male  was  taken  July  17.     IV.  2.  An  adult 
female  was  seen  near  Carp  Lake,  August  6.     Many  were  seen  in  the  brush 
along  the  river  at  various  times.     One  was  seen  on  the  road  to  Ontonagon, 
July  14. 

78.  Troglodytes  aedon.     House  Wren.     II.  1.  A  young  female  was  taken 
in  a  clearing  July  25.     There  were  several  observed  at  this  place  in  a  dense 
brush  pile.     II.  2.  A  young  male  was  taken  July  24,  in  the  hardwoods. 

79.  Olbiorchilus  hiemalis.     Winter   Wren.     II.    1.  A   small   family   was 
seen  July  21,  and  a  young  male  was  taken  July  23.     Abundant  at  this  station. 
IV.  2.  An  adult  female  and  two  young  were  taken  August  10.     Often  seen 
among  the  alders  along  Carp  river.     VI.  Several  were  seen  near  streams  on 
the  trail  to  Government  Peak,  July  26. 

80.  Telmatodytes  palustris.     Long-billed  Marsh  Wren.     IV.  2.  One  male 
was  taken  near  Carp  river,  July  22. 

81.  Certhia  familiaris    americana.     Brown    Creeper.     II.    1.     The    first 
ones  were  seen  July  13,  but  were  frequently  observed  after  that  date.     II. 

2.  A  large  flock  of  adults  and  young  were  seen  among  the  hemlocks,  July 
15.     An  adult  female  and  young  were  taken  July  19. 

82.  Sitta    carolinensis.     White-breasted    Nuthatch.     III.     3.  One    was 
heard  in  the  pines,  July  20. 

83.  Sitta  canadensis.     Red-breasted  Nuthatch.     II.  1.  This  species  was 
seen  twice  in  the  cedar  swamps  near  Lake  Superior,  July  21  and  27.     III. 

3.  One  was  seen,  July  20,  in  the  pines  on  the  mountain  top.     IV.  4.  An 
adult  male  and  female,  and  two  young  males  were  taken  July  27  in  a  tam- 
arack swamp.     Several  were  seen  here  again  August  4.     VI.  One  was  seen 
near  the  beaver  meadow  August  3. 

84.  Parus    atricapillus.     Chickadee.     II.    2.  Adults    were    seen    feeding 
fully  fledged  young  in  the  aspens,  along  the  path  through  the  hardwoods, 
on  July  15.     Young  were  taken  July  21.     II.  3.  A  young  bird  was  taken 
July  15,  and  an  adult  male  and  a  young  female  were  taken  July  21.     Often 
seen  in  the  aspens  about  camp,  usually  with  young  which  they  were  feeding. 
III.  5.  Several  were  seen  feeding  in  the  Norway  pines  on  top  of  the  cliff, 
July  23.     IV.  4.  Several  observed  in  a  flock  of  Golden-crowned  Kinglets 
in  a  tamarack  swamp,  August  11.     VI.  Quite  common  near  Little  Carp 
Lake  on  August  7. 

85.  Regulus  satrapa.     Golden-crowned   Kinglet.       II.   2.  Young  in  the 
down  taken  July  2.     Several  seen  in  the  hemlocks  July  17.     Abundant  among 
the  hemlocks,  July  13  to  August  12.     Large  flocks  of  young  and -adults  *een 
in  the  tops  of  the  tallest  hemlocks  on  July  14.     II.  3.  Young  birds  were  taken 
July  14  in  the  clearing.     IV.  2.  A  young  female  was  taken  July  27.     Several 
were  seen  with  Chickadees  August  11.     Many  were  seen  along  the  Carp 
river  at  various  times.     IV.  4.  They  were  abundant  in  the  tamarack  swamps, 
August  4  and  5. 

86.  Hylocichla  ustulatus   swainsonii.     Olive-backed  Thrush.     II-    1-  An 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  121 

adult  female  was  taken  July  22,  with  the  tough  thickened  skin  on  the  abdomen 
characteristic  of  a  breeding  bird.  II.  2.  Often  seen  in  an  open  woodland, 
July  13  to  August  12.  III.  2.  One  specimen  seen  August  1.  IV.  2.  A  young 
male  taken  July  29.  The  song  was  heard  in  the  evening  and  morning  in 
the  woods  at  the  foot  of  the  cliff,  but  during  the  day  the  bird  retired  to  the 
alders  along  the  river  valley.  It  stopped  singing  the  last  week  in  July. 
VI.  A  nest  containing  two  eggs  was  found  on  the  trail  to  Government  Peak 
July  26. 

87.  Hylocichla  fuscescens.     Wilson  Thrush.     II.  3.  Heard  singing  near 
camp  during  the  evening  of  July  18.     IV.  2.  Young  taken  July  22  along 
Carp  river. 

88.  Merula  migratoria.     American  Robin.     II.   3.  An  adult  male  wras 
taken  July  30,  and  another  was  seen  near  camp  on  August  10.     III.  2.  One 
was  seen  July  20.     III.  5.  An  adult  male  was  seen  on  the  top  of  the  bluff 
July  23.     This  is  apparently  a  rare  bird  in  the  Porcupines. 

89.  Sialia  sialis.     Blue  Bird.     III.  2.  Several  seen  near  the  edge  of  the 
cliff  on  August  10.     III.  5.  An  adult  female  was  taken  July  19.     "A  nest 
was  found  in  a  Norway  pine  stub  on  the  top  of  the  cliff  July  23.     The  old 
birds  fed  the  young  every  5  to  8  minutes  during  the  half  hour  they  were  ob- 
served.    The  parents  were  quite  tame  as  they  fed  the  young  while  I  stood 
within  15  feet"  (Wood). 

2.       ISLE   ROYALE. 

The  observations  and  records  incorporated  in  the  following  notes  were 
made  at  the  southwestern  or  lower  end  of  the  Isle,  in  the  vicinity  of  Wash- 
ington Harbor.  A  few  observations  were  also  made  in  the  vicinity  of  Siskowit 
Bay  on  the  south  coast.  The  time  spent  on  the  island  covered  the  period 
from  August  16  to  September  5,  1904. 

On  account  of  the  lateness  of  the  season,  but  little  could  be  determined 
concerning  the  breeding  birds.  The  migrants  were  already  abundant. 
This  was  evident  on  account  of  the  abundance  of  the  Chipping  Sparrow, 
Sharp-shinned  and  Sparrow  Hawks.  Many  of  these  migrating  birds  were  so 
abundant  and  of  such  general  occurrence  that  little  could  be  learned  of 
their  habitat  relations.  Perhaps  the  limited  extent  of  the  island,  as  a  feed- 
ing ground,  emphasized  the  apparent  abundance. 

1.  Podilymbus    podiceps.     Pied-billed    Grebe.     II.    Two    were    seen    oix 
Washington  river,  August  17,  and  several  more  August  30.     A  young  bird, 
in  the  first  plumage,  was  taken  August  18,  and  young  birds  were  again  taken 
August     24    and    25. 

2.  Gavia  imber.     Loon.     VII.    Two  were  seen  on   Lake  Desor,   August 
24,  and  again  August  30. 

3.  Larus  argentatus.     Herring  Gull.      VII.    One  adult  was  seen  at  Lake 
Desor  on  August  24.     IX.  The  rocky  promontories  were  often  white  with  these 
gulls.     They  would  swim  about  in  the  lake  and  then  fly  back  to  the  rock. 
X.  These  birds  were  very  abundant  in  the  harbor,  where  they  were  seen 
every  clay.     On  August  19,  a  small  island  north  of  the  mouth  of  Washington 
Harbor  was  almost  completely  covered  with  them.     On  August  31,  flocks 
were  observed  feeding  in  the  harbor. 

4.  Merganser  americanus.     American  Merganser.     II.  A  young  female, 
in  the  down,  and  an  adult,  were  taken  August  31.     An  adult  and  five  young 
were"  observed  on  Washington  river,    August  31.       VII.     A  young  bird, 
in  the  down,  was  taken  August  21.     X.  An  adult  bird  and  several  young 
were  observed  August  19. 

16 


122  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

5.  Querquedula    discors.     Blue-winged    Teal.     II.  Three    were    seen    on 
Washington  river  August  30.     X.  A  flock  of  25  or  30  were  seen  in  the  harbor 
August  30. 

6.  Botaurus  lentiginosus.     American  Bittern.     II.  One  was  seen  flying 
along  the  river  on  August  24  and  again  on  August  30. 

7.  Ardea  herodias.     Great  Blue  Heron.     I.  One  was  seen  flying  over 
camp,  August  21.     X.  One  was  seen  flying  over  the  harbor  on  August  30. 

8.  Porzana  Carolina.     Sora.     II.  One  was  seen  near  the  margin  of  the 
river  August  22.     Adult  males  were  taken  on  both  August  24  and  25.     One 
was  again  observed  at  the  edge  of  the  river  in  tall  grass,  August  28;  also 
observed  on  August  30,  near  the  river. 

9.  Fulica  americana.     American  Coot.     II.  One  was  seen  August  22  on 
the  river,  and  an  adult  female  was  taken  August  24. 

10.  Gallinago   delicata.     Wilson's   Snipe.     I.  One   seen   August    17   and 
25  near  the  harbor. 

11.  Actodromas  minutilla.     Least  Sandpiper.     X.  One  seen  August  28 
and  September  4,  along  the  shore  of  Washington  Harbor. 

12.  Totanus    ftavipes.     Yellow-legs.     I.  An    adult    female    was    taken 
August  26  from  a  small  flock  which  came  into  the  clearing  at  the  house.     X. 
One  was  seen  on  the  dock  in  the  harbor,  August  25. 

13.  Helodromas  solitarius.     Solitary  Sandpiper.     II.  An  adult  male  was 
taken  August  17,  a  female  August  18,  and  a  young  bird  September  3.     It 
was  common  along  Washington  river  August  17  to  September  3.     X.  Several 
were  seen  at  the  edge  of  the  harbor  September  4. 

14.  Actitis  macularia.     Spotted  Sandpiper.     X.  One  was  seen  on  the 
shore  at  Washington  Harbor,  August  28. 

15.  Pediocaetes    phasianellus.     Sharp-tailed    Grouse.     I.  A   resident   re- 
ports that  "  prairie  chickens  "  come  to  the  clearing  in  the  fall.      VIII.  Several 
were  seen  in  a  clearing  at  Siskowit  Bay,  August  29.     This  was  the  only 
species  of  grouse  seen  on  the  island  by  the  party. 

16.  .  Accipiter  velox.     Sharp-shinned  Hawk.     I.  Very  abundant.     Young 
males  were  taken  between  August  16  and  31,  and  young  females  August 
21,  23  and  31.     One  adult  female  was  taken  August  27.     Several  were  seen 
every  day  about  the  camp  and  in  the  clearings  along  the  river.     "Very 
abundant  in  clearings,  showing  little  fear  until  fired  upon  repeatedly.     They 
were  very  ferocious;  one  caught  a  Sora  Rail  while  on  the  wing,  and  tore 
it  to  pieces  within  15  feet  of  me.     It  grasped  its  prey  from  beneath  by  darting 
under  it,  turning  over,    and  thrusting  its  claws  into  its  victim's  breast" 
(Peet).     VII.  One  was  seen  at  Lake  Desor,  August  24. 

This  was  an  abundant  bird  from  August  17  until  September  3,  and 
showed  a  decided  preference  for  clearings  and  open  woodland,  where  it 
found  several  kinds  of  sparrows  and  warblers,  in  whose  company  it 
seemed  to  migrate. 

17.  Accipiter  cooperii.      Cooper's  Hawk.      X.  One  seen  over  the  harbor. 
"This  bird  flew  over  the  boat  as  I  was  fishing  on  August  19"  (Wood). 

18.  Buteo   borealis.     Red-tailed    Hawk.     I.  One    was   seen   flying   over 
camp,  August  28. 

19.  Buteo    lineatus.     Red-shouldered    Hawk.     II.  One    was    seen    Sep- 
tember 4. 

20.  Haliaetus  leucocephalus.     Bald   Eagle.     X.  A  fine   adult   was  seen 
at  Washington  Harbor,  August  16.     An  adult   bird    was   perched   upon  a 
stump    near   the    water's    edge,    at    the    mouth    of    Washington    river, 
on  August  27.     On  August  31,  this  eagle  was  again  seen.     A  resident  reports 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  123 

that  its  mate  was  killed  last  year,  and  that  the  pair  had  lived  here  for  many 
years  (Wood). 

21.  Falco  columbarius.     Pigeon  Hawk.     I.  "An  adult  female  was  taken 
August  30.     One  was  seen  near  the  camp  on  August  31  and  September  1. 
II.  An  adult  male  was  taken  August  23,  and  two  were  seen  September  1. 

22.  Falco    sparverius.      American    Sparrow    Hawk.     I    and    II.  Adult 
males  were  taken  August  16  and  23,  adult  females  August  23  and  27.     This 
was  the  most  common  hawk  frequenting  the  clearing  about  the  harbor. 
Observed  catching  grasshoppers  in  the  clearings.     Several  were  caught  in 
steel  traps  baited  with  meat.     Observed  in  abundance  from  August  16  to 
September  5. 

23.  Pandion  haliaetus  carolinensis.     Osprey.     II.  An  adult  female  was 
taken  August  26,  and  one  was  seen  August  25.     X.  One  was  seen  over  the 
harbor  011  August  20. 

24.  Asio  accipitrinus.     Short-eared  Owl.     I.  One  was  seen  at  the  edge 
of  the  clearing  August  17,  and  one  was  found  dead  near  the  camp  on  August 
16.     This  species  was  not  seen  after  August   17.      It  probably  migrated 
(Wood). 

25. .  Asio  magellanicus  occidentalis.  Great  Horned  Owl.  II.  Three  were 
seen  August  22  near  the  river.  Near  by,  in  a  clearing,  four  were  found  about 
dark  August  26,  and  thre'e  were  taken. 

26.  Ceryle  alcyon.     Belted  Kingfisher.     II.  One  or  two  were  seen  nearly 
every  day  from  August  16  to  September  1,  along  Washington  river.     An 
adult  female  was  taken  August  26.     They  were  occasionally  seen  pursued 
by  Sharp-shinned  Hawks.     When  the  hawk  was  nearly  upon  it,  the  King- 
fisher would  throw  up  its  bill  and  ward  it  off,  in  a  manner  similar  to  that 
stated  for  herons  when  pursued  by  hawks  (Peet).      VII.  One  was  seen  at 
Lake  Desor  on  August  24.     X.  Occasionally  seen  along  the  harbor. 

27.  Dryobates  villosus  leucomelas.     Northern  Hairy  Woodpecker.     I.  One 
was  seen  September  1.     II.  One  was  seen  August  16  and  again  on  19.     III. 
Adult  females  were  taken  August  20  and  on  September  1.     IV.  Two  were 
heard  along  the  creek  in  the  cedar  swamp,  August  4. 

28.  Dryobates  pubescens  medianus.     Downy  Woodpecker.     I.  A  young 
male  was  taken  August  29.     IV.  An  adult  male  was  taken  August  18.     VII. 
Seen  at  Lake  Desor,  August  24.      A  common  bird  of  general  distribution. 

29.  Picoides    arcticus.     Arctic    Three-toed    Woodpecker.     II.  An    adult 
female  was  taken,  August  31.     One  was  seen  each  day  August  28,  29  and 
30.     This  was  a  rare  bird  in  the  vicinity  of  Washington  Harbor. 

30.  Sphyrapicus  varius.     Yellow-bellied  Sapsucker.     II.  A  young  female 
was  taken  August  22,  along  Washington  river,  in  the  coniferous  forest.     Ap- 
parently a  rare  bird  in  this  vicinity. 

31.  Coephloeus  pileatus  abieticola.     Northern  Pileated  Woodpecker.     II. 
and  III.  An  adult  male  and  a  young  female  were  taken  August  19.     An  adult 
male  was  taken  August  30,  and  five  other  birds  were  seen.     Quite  common 
in  the  forest  and  were  heard  or  seen  almost  every  day.      "One   specimen, 
after  being  shot  at,  was  called  back  by  continued  clapping  of  the  hands, 
although  under  other  circumstances,  they  are  very  shy  and  difficult  to 
approach.     On   rainy   mornings   they   were    very   noisy"    (Peet).      "They 
were  very  noisy  in  the  morning  about  sunrise,  but  on  cloudy  days  they  con- 
tinued their  pounding  and  calling  for  several  hours"  (McCreary). 

32.  Colaptes  auratus  luteus.     Northern  Flicker.     II.  Very  abundant  in 
the  clearings  along  Washington  river.     One  was  shot  August  16.     VII.  One 
was  seen  September  3  at  Lake  Desor. 


124  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

33.  Chordeiles  mrginianus.     Night  Hawk.     I.  Young  females  were  taken 
August  16,  and  an  adult  male  was  taken  August  23.     A  very  common  bird, 
frequently  seen  in  the  evening  catching  insects  over  the  grass  and  water. 
Found  roosting  on  the  ground  in  clearings.     None  were  observed   after 
August  29. 

34.  Chaetura    pelagica.     Chimney    Swift.     I.  Several    were    seen    flying 
overhead  on  August  16,  17,  19  and  23,  at  the  camp  clearing. 

35.  Trochilus    colubris.     Ruby-throated    Hummingbird.     I.  It    was    re- 
ported, as  have  been  seen  hovering  about  flower  beds  at  the  camp  clearing. 
II.  One  was  seen  August  30  along  the  road  through  the  coniferous  forest. 

36.  Sayornis   phoebe.      Phoebe.      I.  An   adult   male   was   taken   August 
26  near  camp.     II.  An  adult  female  was  taken  August  18  and  others  were 
seen,  at  various  times,  between  August  17  and  28,  along  the  road  in  or  near 
clearings. 

37.  Nuttallornis  borealis.     Olive-sided  Flycatcher.     I.  Occasionally  seen 
on  dead  trees  in  the  clearings.     II.  An  adul't  male  was  taken  August  18, 
and  was  common  from  August  17  to  August  28.     IV.  Seen  on  August  18 
in  a  cedar  swamp. 

38.  Empidonax  minimus.     Least   Flycatcher.     II.  Often  seen  between 
August  19  and  September  3.     III.  An  adult  male  was  taken  August  31. 
Common. 

39.  Cyanocitta  cristata.     Blue  Jay.     II.  An  adult  male  was  taken  August 
19,  and  a  young  female  August   18.     Very  common  about  the  deserted 
mining  camps.     Seen  August  22  and  28,  along  the  road.     Adults  moulting. 

40.  Perisoreus  canadensis.     Canada  Jay.     II.  An  adult  male  and  female 
were  taken  August  25.      Found  about  the  deserted  mining  camps.     Adult 
males  were  seen  August  18,  22,  and  September  1,  and  females  August  19 
and  23.     A  common  bird.      VII.      A  number  were  seen  at  Lake  Desor, 
August  24.     They  were  very  quiet  and   were  not  seen  until     we  started 
to  fry  our  bacon  in  front  of  the  tent.     Several  then  came  flying  from  different 
directions  and  perched  on  the  spruce  boughs  just  above  us,  hopping  about 
until  we  left  camp,  when  they  flew  down  about  the  ashes  in  search  of  scraps. 
(Ruthven). 

41.  Corvus   corax   principalis.     Northern   Raven.     I.  An    adult   female 
was  taken  August  23.     II.  On  several  mornings  a  flock  of  six  was  seen  in 
a  clearing.     One  was  shot  August   17.     X.  Eight  were  seen  August   19, 
near  the  entrance  to  Washington  Harbor;  on  August  30,  three  were  seen 
flying  over  the  Harbor.     Reported  to  be  a  resident  bird.     The  adult  speci- 
mens taken  were  moulting. 

42.  Corvus   brachyrhynchos.     American  Crow.     I.  This   species  was  not 
as  common  about  the  clearing  as  were  the  Ravens,  and  was  much  more  shy. 
Early  in  the  morning  of  September  4,  one  came  to  the  clearing  and  perched 
on  the  roof  of  an  old  log  house,  a  few  rods  from  camp.     II.  Two  were  seen 
nearly  every  day  along  the  river. 

43.  Agelaius  phoeniceus.     Red-winged  Blackbird.     I.  An  immature  fe- 
male was  taken  August  26. 

44.  Agelaius    phoeniceus    fortis.     Northern    Red-winged    Blackbird.     I. 
Young  males  were  taken  August  18  and  26,  and  an  adult  female  was  taken 
on  August  29.     II.  Several  flocks  (species  uncertain)  numbering  about  15 
or  20  specimens,  were  seen  in  the  clearing.      Only  one  male  in  black  plumage 
was  seen.      Common.      VII.     An  adult  female  was  taken    on  August  24. 

45.  Quiscalus  quiscula  aeneus.     Bronzed  Crackle.     II.  An  adult  female 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  125 

was  taken  August  19  in  the  clearing  along  the  river.     This  was  the  only 
specimen  seen  and  was  found  feeding  in  front  of  a  deserted  cabin. 

46.  Loxia    leucoptera.     White-winged    Crossbill.     II.  Only   small    flocks 
were  seen  August  18,  26  and  30.     IV.  A  small  flock  was  seen  on  August  18. 

47.  Astragalinus    tristis.     American    Goldfinch.     II.  A    flock    was    seen 
August  19,  and  several  were  seen  on  August  17. 

48.  Spinus  pinus.     Pine  Siskin.     II.  Frequently  seen  in  flocks  between 
August   18  and  September  5. 

49.  Passerculus   sandwichensis   savanna.     Savanna   Sparrow.     I.  Young 
males  were  taken  August  17  and  26,  and  adult  females  were  taken  August 
30,  and  31.     This  species  was  seen  in  flocks  all  over  the  clearing  about  camp, 
and  was    very  tame,    even  coming  into  the  houses.     Very  common  after 
August  26  along  roads  and  in  the  clearings.     During  the  last  week  in  August 
this  species  became  abundant  and  was  very  tame.     After  September  1  it 
began  to  leave  and  nearly  all  were  gone  by  September  5. 

50.  Zonotrichia    leucophrys.     White-crowned    Sparrow.     II.  Two    speci- 
mens were  seen  near  the  deserted  mining  camps  September  1.     On  August' 
29  two  were  seen  along  Washington  river.     One  was  taken  August  28. 

51.  Zonotrichia  albicollis.     White-throated  Sparrow.      I.  One  was  seen 
at  the  edge  of  the  clearing   on  August  24,  and  on  September  1  and  4.     II. 
An  adult  female  and  a  young  male  were  taken  August  19.     Young  and  the 
adults  were  seen  almost  every  day  along  the  river.      VII.    One  was  heard 
at  Lake  Desor  on  August  24. 

52.  Spizella  socialis.     Chipping  Sparrow7.     I.  Young  males  were  taken 
August  17  and  27,  and  young  females  August  24  and  27.      Very  common  in 
the  camp  clearing.     II.  Abundant  in  the  clearing.    . 

53.  Spizella    pallida.  Clay-colored    Sparrow.     I.  An    adult    male    was 
taken  August  25,  and  one  was  seen  August  26.     II.  One  was  seen  each  day 
on  August  28  and  31,  in  the  clearing. 

54.  Junco  hyemalis.     Slate-colored  Junco.     I.  An  adult  male  was  taken 
August  29.     II.  It  was  very  common  in  the  clearings  between  August  28 
and  September  5. 

55.  Melospiza  cinerea  melodia.     Song  Sparrow.     I.  One  was  seen  August 
24.     II.  Common  from  August  17  to  28,  among  brush  in  the  clearings. 

56.  Melospiza   lincolnii.     Lincoln's    Sparrow.     II.  An   adult   male   was 
taken  September  1,  in  the  undergrowth  of  a  white  cedar  swamp. 

57.  Ampelis  cedrorum.     Cedar  Waxwing.     I.  A  young  male  was  taken 
and  a  flock  was  seen  August  18.     II.  Several  were  frequently  seen  along 
Washington  river.     Several  nests  were  found  August  28  in  alders  about 
six  to  ten  feet  from  the  ground.       These  nests   had  recently  been  used 
(Wood).     An  old  bird  was  seen  feeding  four  young  that  had  just  left  the 
nest,   September   1.     An  abundant  species. 

58.  Vireo   olivaceus.      Red-eyed   Vireo.      II.    Adult   males   were  taken 
August  23  and  September  5. 

59.  Vireo  Philadelphia.     Philadelphia  Vireo.     II.  One  was  seen  Septem- 
ber 1,  along  the  road  through  the  coniferous  forest. 

60.  Mniotilta   varia.     Black    and    White   Warbler.     II.  One    was    seen 
August  24  (Wood). 

61.  Helminthophila  rubricapilla.     Nashville  Warbler.     II.  One  was  seen 
August  28.     IV.  A  young  male  was  taken  August  18. 

62.  Helminthophila  peregrina.     Tennessee  Warbler.     I.  An   adult  male 
was  taken  August  22  and  a  young  male  September  4.      II  and  III.  Three 
birds  were  seen  August  24.     Very  common  in  woodland.     Not  seen  before 


126  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

August  22,  after  that  date  they  were  quite  common  until  September  4. 
Evidently  a  migrant. 

63.  Dendroica  caerulescens.     Black-throated  Blue    Warbler.  II  and  III. 
An  adult  male  was  taken  August  17.     A  male  and  female  were  seen  August 
25  and  one  was  seen  August  24.     Common,  a  few  seen  nearly  every  day 
from  August  17  to  September  4. 

64.  Dendroica  coronata.     Myrtle  Warbler.     I.  A  young  male  was  taken 
August  29.     II  and  III.  An  adult  female  was  taken  September  3.     A  few 
seen  nearly  every  day  from  August  20  to  September  3.     Apparently  migrat- 
ing.    Common. 

65.  Dendroica  maculosa.     Magnolia  Warbler.     II.  An   adult   male   was 
taken  August  30,  and  an  adult  female  September  3. 

66.  Dendroica  striata.     Black-poll  Warbler.     I.  A  young  male  was  taken 
August  26,  and  two  were  seen  September  4,  near  the  camp.     II.  Young 
males  were  taken  August  26  and  30. 

67.  Dendroica    virens.     Black-throated    Green    Warbler.     II    and    III. 
One  seen  on  August  24,  and  three  on  August  25.     Seen  every  few  days  be- 
tween August  18  and  September  3.     An  adult  male  was  taken  September 
1.     Of  general  occurrence.     Common. 

68.  Dendroica  palmar  um.     Palm  Warbler.     I.  An  adult  male  was  taken 
August  26  and  September  4,  and  a  young  male  was  taken  August  29.     Many 
were  seen  at  camp  September  4,  and  were  quite  tame.     These  birds  were 
abundant  in  the  clearing  about  camp  and  even  came  close    to  the  house, 
September  1.     Generally  found  in  bushes  along  clearings.     During  the  night 
of  September  3,  a  wave  of  this  species  occurred,  and  in  the  morning  of  Sep- 
tember 4,  large  numbers  of  these  birds  were  observed  in  the  brush  in  the 
clearing,  some  specimens  even  coming  about  the  camp. 

69.  Seiurus   aurocapillus.     Oven   Bird.     II.  One   was   seen  August   24. 
VII.  An  adult  female  was  taken  August  24. 

70.  Seiurus  noveboracensis  notabilis.     GrinnelPs    Water    Thrush.     I.  An 
adult  male  was  taken  August  26.     II  and  III.  One  was  seen  on  each  of  the 
following  dates,  August  18,  22,  24,  28  and  31.      An  adult  female  was  taken 
August  24.     IV.  On  September  1,  one  was  heard  singing  a  low  sweet  song 
in  a  cedar  swamp.     (Wood). 

71.  Wilsonia  pusilla.     Wilson's  Warbler.     II.  An  adult  male  was  taken 
August  30,  in  alder  bushes  near  a  small  stream.     Evidently  a  migrant. 

72.  Setophaga    ruticilla.     American     Redstart.     I.  Several     were     seen 
August  24,  27  and  September  4.     II.  A  young  male  was  taken  August  17. 
A  few  were  seen  every  few  days  from  August  17  to  September  4. 

73.  Olbiorchilus    hiemalis.     Winter    Wren.     II    and     III.     Individuals 
were  seen  August  20,  25,  30  and  September  1,  3,  and  4.     A  young  male  was 
taken  August  31.     IV.  "An  adult  female  was  taken  September  1  in  a  dense 
cedar  swamp.     I  awakened  her  curiosity  so  much  by  making  a  chirping 
sound  that  she  hopped  upon  a  bush  in  full  view  thus  allowing  a  chance  to 
secure  her."  (Wood). 

74.  Certhia  familiaris  americana.     Brown  Creeper.     II.  One  was  killed 
August  19  and  one  seen  August  20,  and  22. 

75.  Sitta    carolinensis.      White-breasted     Nuthatch.      VII.      An    adult 
male  taken  August  24  among  birch  trees  on  the  hillside. 

76.  Sitta  canadensis.     Red-breasted  Nuthatch.     II,  III  and  IV.  Adult 
females  were  taken  August  17,  18  and  25.     Many  were  seen  almost  every 
day  between  August  16  and  September  5.      VII.     Abundant    August    24. 
A  very  abundant  bird  of  general  distribution  in  the  forest. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  127 

77.  Parus   atricapillus.     Chickadee.     II,    III    and    IV.  An    adult   male 
was  taken  August  17.     Many  were  seen  almost  every  day  between  August 
16  and  September  5.      VII.     Abundant  August  24.      Very    abundant,  of 
general  distribution  in  forests. 

78.  Regulus    satrapa.     Golden-crowned    Kinglet.     II,    III    and   VI.     It 
was  often  seen  feeding  in  spruce  and  balsam  trees  in  company  with  the 
Chickadee  and  Red-breasted  Nuthatch.     Many  were  seen  almost  every  day 
between  August  16  and  September  5.      VII.     Abundant  at    Lake    Desor, 
August  24.     Abundant  and  of  general  distribution  in  the  forest. 

79.  Regulus   calendula.     Ruby-crowned   Kinglet.     II.   A^n  adult  female 
was  taken  August  28,  and  one  or  two  were  seen  on  each  of  the  following 
days,  August  29,  30,  and  September  3  and  5. 

80.  Hylocichla  ustulatus  swainsonii.     Olive-backed  Thrush.     II  and  III. 
An  adult  male  was  taken  September  1,  and  a  young  male  on  August  24. 
Some  were  seen  every  few  days  in  underbrush,  they  were  very  shy. 

81.  Merula  migratoria.     Robin.     I.  One  was  seen  on  August  16.     II. 
One  was  also  seen  along  the  river  on  August  23. 


128  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 


NOTES    ON   THE    MAMMALS    OF    THE    PORCUPINE    MOUNTAINS 
AND  ISLE  ROYALE,  MICHIGAN. 

CHAS.    C.    ADAMS. 


The  specimens  obtained  by  the  expedition  were  largely  collected  and 
prepared  by  Max  Minor  Peet  assisted  by  N.  A.  Wood.  Mr.  Wood  secured 
the  series  of  notes  from  Mr.  Haring,  a  former  fur  dealer,  concerning  early 
mammal  records.  Other  members  of  the  party,  A.  G.  Ruthven,  0.  McCreary 
and  W.  A.  Maclean,  also  contributed  notes,  specimens  or  both. 

I  take  pleasure  in  expressing  our  obligations  to  Dr.  C.  Hart  Merriam, 
Chief  of  the  Biological  Survey  of  the  U.  S.  Department  of  Agriculture,  for 
kindly  determining  a  representative  series  of  specimens,  and  for  the  deter- 
minations made  by  Mr.  W.  H.  Osgood  of  the  same  Survey;  also  to  Dr.  Glover 
M.  Allen  of  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural  History,  for  valuable  suggestions 
and  for  the  determination  of  the  deer  and  bats.  The  other  specimens 
collected  have  been  named  by  a  careful  comparison  with  the  determined  series. 

1.       PORCUPINE    MOUNTAINS. 

1.  Odocoileus  mrginianus  borealis  (Miller) .     Northern  Virginia  Deer.     Near 
Station  II.  2,  but  on  Section  15,  an  adult  male  was  taken  in  the  hardwood  for- 
est, August  1,  and  a  fawn,  August  14,  on  Section  18.     V.  2.    "After  sundown 
a  deer  came  down  into  the  marsh  at  the  east  end  of  Carp  Lake,  also  a  young 
buck  about  a  year  old,  and  later  on  a  doe  with  a  small  fawn"    (Maclean). 
VII.     1.  "After  sundown,  August  3,  nine  deer  were  seen  about  the  margins  of 
Little  Carp  Lake,  where  they  were  feeding  on  the  grasses  and  sedges.     During 
September,  1903,  deer  were  often  surprised  during  the  night,  standing  in 
the  water  at  the  margin  of  Carp  Lake.     Trappers  reported  that  the  flies 
were  especially  abundant  this  year"    (Ruthven).     During  the  past  season 
this  habit  was  not  observed.     Trappers  reported  that  flies  were  not  abundant 
owing  to  late  spring  frosts,  and  attributed  the  absence  of  the  deer  -from  the 
lake,  during  the  night,  to  this  cause. 

2.  Sciurus  hudsonicus  loquax  Bangs.     Southeastern  Red  Squirrel.     II. 

I.  Two  adult  females  were  taken.  August  21  and  28,  in  the  cedar  swamp. 
IV.  An  adult  male  was  taken  July  29. 

3.  Tamias    striatus    lysteri    (Rich.).     Northeastern    Chipmunk.     II.    2. 
An  adult  female  was  taken  August  10.     III.  4.  A  male  was  taken  July  20. 

II.  3.  On  July  20,  an  adult  male  was  taken  at  the  camp  clearing.     IV.  3. 
August  2,  an  immature  male  was  taken  in  the  hardwood  forest  of  the  river 
valley. 

4.  Eutamias  quadrivittatus  neglectus  (Allen).     Lake  Superior  Chipmunk. 
II.  1.  Seven  specimens,  young  and  adults  of  both  sexes,  were  taken  between 
July  21  and  August  12,  at  the  edge  of  a  cedar  swamp  and  along  the  Lake 
Superior  shore.    VII.  1.  An  adult  female  was  taken,  August  11,  on  a  rocky 
bluff  on  Little  Carp  Lake. 

5.  Marmota    monax    (Linn.).      Woodchuck.     II.    2.  An    adult    female 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  129 

was  taken  July  28  (No.  32139).  This  is  a  very  dark  specimen  "when  com- 
pared with  the  normal  form  found  at  Ann  Arbor,  Mich.  The  long  over 
hair,  especially  on  the  top  of  the  head,  the  rear  of  the  back  and  the  tail,  is 
very  dark  brown  or  black.  The  pale  under  fur  is  also  darker  than  in  normal 
specimens.  The  hair  on  the  lower  parts  of  the  body  is  much  more  rufous 
and  darker  than  in  the  normal  form.  II.  3.  In  the  camp  clearing,  an  adult 
and  one  young  of  the  normal  color  were  seen. 

6.  Sciuropterus    sabrinus    (Shaw).     Northern    Flying    Squirrel.     II.    2. 
Two  adult  females  were  taken  in  the  hardwood  forest,  August  3  and  4.     III. 
5.  In  the  aspen  zone  near  the  mountain  top,  an  adult  female  was  taken 
July  29. 

7.  Castor    canadensis    Kuhl.     American    Beaver.     IV.    1.  Old    beaver 
dams  were  observed  on  Carp  river,  and  relatively  fresh  ones  on  Little  Carp 
river,  VII.  3,  by  Ruthven.     Mr.  David  Allie,  of  the  Carp  Lake  Mine,  reported 
that  the  last  beaver  taken  on  Carp  river  was  about  189&.     VII.  3.  No  fresh 
signs  of  beaver  were  observed  on  Little  Carp  river.     Allie  reported  them 
to  occur  on  the  river  below  Little  Carp  Lake.     Beaver  cuttings  were  secured 
from  the  dams  on  Carp  and  Little  Carp  rivers. 

8.  Peromyscus  canadensis  (Miller).     Canadian  White-footed  Mouse.     II. 
2.  Four  males  taken  August  3,  11,  and  13,  were  referred  to  canadensis  by 
the  U.  S.  Biological  Survey.     Two  males  taken  August  8  (No.  32193)  and 
August  6    (No.  32197),  and  an  immature  male  taken  July  24  (No.  32198), 
apparently  belong  here.      This  was  one  of  the  most  common  mammals  in 
the  mountains. 

9.  Evotomys    gapperi    (Vigors).     Common    Red-backed    Mouse.     II.    2. 
Two  males  were  taken  in  the  hardwood  forest,  August  3  and  13.     III.  5. 
Two  pair  of  adults  were  taken  in  the  aspen  zone  bordering  the  mountain  top 
between  July  22  and  30.     IV.  4.  Two  adult  females  were  taken  August  6  and 
7,  in  the  tamarack  swamp. 

In  the  Porcupines  this  mouse  is  thus  seen  to  frequent  a  variety  of  habitats, 
the  hardwood  forest,  the  aspen  zone,  and  the  tamarack  swamp.  Farther 
south  it  is  more  closely  restricted  to  cool  swamps. 

10.  Fiber  zibethicus  (Linn.).      Muskrat.     IV.  A  few  specimens  were  seen 
along  Carp  river,  July  16,  by  Maclean  and  McCreary.     VII.  1.  One  specimen 
was  shot  at  Little  Carp  Lake,  August  7,  by  Feet. 

11.  Zapus  hudsonius   (Zimm.).     Northern  Jumping  Mouse.     II.  2.  An 
immature  male  was  taken,  July  30,  in  the  hardwood  forest.     VII.  1.  An 
immature  male  was  taken  on  a  rocky  bluff  along  Little  Carp  river,  August  11. 

12.  Napoeozapus   insignis    (Miller).      Woodland  ,  Jumping   Mouse.      II. 
2.  Three  adult  males  were  taken  in  the  hardwoods,  between  August  4  and  13. 

13.  Erethizon  dorsatum  (Linn.).     Canadian  Porcupine.     II.  2.  An  adult 
female  and  a  pair  of  young  were  taken  in  the  hardwood  forest  between  July 
23  and  August  8.     An  adult  male  was  shot,  July  13,  in  the  hardwood  forest 
near  the  base  of  the  mountain  slope.     II.  3.  Three  females  were  taken, 
during  July,  in  the  camp  clearing.     IV.  1,  and  V.  1.     Porcupines  were  fre- 
quently seen,  by  Ruthven,  in  the  river  and  lake  both  during  the  day  and 
night,  eating  leaves  of  the  yellow  water  lily.    (This  habit  is  shown  in  Fig.  19). 

This  interesting  animal  was  very  abundant  and  of  general  distribution 
in  the  forest. 

14.  Lepus  americanus  virginianus   (Harlan).     Southern  Varying  Hare. 
II.  3.  An  adult  female  was  taken,  August  9,  in  the  camp  clearing.     It  had 
evidently  been  suckling  young  and  was  in  full  summer  pelage.     The  yellow- 
ish rufous  pelage  is  much  more  marked  than  in  the  Hares  from  Isle  Royale 

17 


130  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

(var.  americanus) .  The  white  outer  ear  margin  is  only  feebly  developed. 
IV.  2.  A  young  female  was  taken,  Aug.  21,  in  the  alders  along  Carp  river. 
In  this  specimen  the  rufous  tints  are  very  pronounced  on  the  upper  side 
of  the  legs  and  on  the  pectoral  region.  The  outer  margin  of  the  ear  is  of 
a  distinctly  yellowish  white  color. 

15.  Lynx  ruff  us  (Gueld.).     Bay  Lynx;  Wild  Cat.     IV.  2.  A  weathered 
skull  was  found  in  the  alder  bushes  along  Carp  river,  by  Ruthven.     Trappers 
reported  this  species  common. 

16.  Canis  occidentalis  Richardson.     Gray  Wolf.     The  trappers  reported 
them  common.     Near  the  Porcupines,   during  the  winter  of   1902-'03,   a 
trapper  was  reported  to  have  been  treed  by  a  pack.     Wolves  are  reported 
to  have  killed  many  deer  near  the  Porcupines,  during  the  past  winter  of 
1904-'05. 

17.  Taxidba  taxus  (Schreber).     Badger.     Trappers  reported  that  occas- 
ionally specimens  were  found. 

18.  Mephitis  hudsonica  (Rich.).     Northern  Plains  Skunk.     II.  3.  Young 
and  three  adults  of  both  sexes  were  secured  between  July  15  and  July  30, 
in  the  clearing  about  -camp.     They  were  very  abundant.     A  large  adult 
male  was  taken,  July  30,  which  weighed  eight  pounds.     II.  2.  Two  specimens 
were  seen  by  Ruthven  along  the  road  through  the  hardwood  forest  in  Septem- 
ber, 1903.     On  the  morning  of  July  15,  Wood  found  a  young  skunk  in  a 
trap,  held  fast  by  the  foot.     Another  of  about  the  same  size  was  observed 
running  about  the  captive,  making  frequent  attempts  to  liberate  it  by  biting 
the  trap  and  pulling  with  its  fore  feet. 

The  skunks  found  in  the  traps  were  not  at  all  violent  in  their  attempts 
to  escape  and  could  easily  be  approached  and  killed  with  a  noose. 

This  is  a  northern  plains  and  Rocky  Mountain  species.  These  northwestern 
affinities  suggest  an  origin  from  that  direction,  by  way  of  Minnesota. 

19.  Putorius  cicognani  (Bonap.).     Small  Brown  Weasel.     Near  II.  2. 
An  adult  female  was  taken  along  a  corduroy  road  through  the  hardwoods 
on  Section  17.      Dr.  Merriam  wrote  in  1896,    "It  probably  also  occurs  in 
Northern  Michigan  and  Wisconsin."     (N.  A.  Fauna  No.  11,  p.  11). 

20.  Ursus    americanus    Pallas.     Black    Bear.     III.  Fresh    signs    were 
observed  several  times  on  the  mountain  top,  where  Allie  reports  that  they 
often  came  to  feed  upon  the  dwarf  and  low  black  blueberries.     A  cub  was 
observed  here,  August  5,  by  Allie. 

Trappers  reported  them  quite  common  in  the  mountains.  An  adult 
bear  was  killed,  July  11, 1904,  at  Iron  river,  near  the  Porcupine  Mountains. 

21.  Sorex  hoyi  Bair^d.     Hoy's  Shrew.     III.  5.  A  pair  of  adult  specimens 
were  found  in  the  aspen  zone  on  the  mountain  on  July  29,  and  August  2. 
IV.  4.  One  specimen  was  taken,  August  12,  in  the  tamarack  swamp. 

This  is  said  to  be  the  smallest  North  American  mammal,  and  is  without 
doubt  the  smallest  one  in  Michigan. 

22.  Blarina  brevicauda   (Say).     Large  Bob-tailed  Shrew.     II.  2.  Adult 
shrews  of  both  sexes  were  taken  in  the  hardwoods  during  August.     II.  3. 
Three  adult  females  were  taken  in  the  clearing.     III.  5.  Adults  of  both 
sexes  were  taken  in  the  aspen  zone  surrounding  the  mountain  top. 

This  shrew  and  the  White-footed  Mouse  were  the  most  common  small 
mammals  in  the  mountains. 

.  23.  Condylura  cristata  (Linn.).  Star-nosed  Mole.  II.  2.  A  pair  of 
moles  was  taken,  September  2,  1903,  by  Ruthven,  in  the  hardwood  forest, 
on  the  mountain  slope  above  the  camp.  This  was  about  800  feet  above 
lake  level.  The  line  of  their  tunnel  was  intersected  by  a  cutting,  at  the  base 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  131 

of  which  was  an  old  ore  bucket  into  which  they  had  apparently  fallen  and 
drowned.     Farther  south  these  animals  are  closely  confined  to  swamp  land. 
24.     My otis    subulatus    (Say).     Say's    Bat.     II.    3.  Three    adult    males 
were  taken  in  camp,  August  13,  by  Peet. 

Supplementary  Notes. 

The  following  notes  were  secured  by  Mr.  Wood  from  Mr.  C.  E.  Haring 
of  Ontonagon,  Michigan.  Mr.  Haring  and  his  brother  bought  furs  from  the 
Indians  and  trappers  between  1860  and  1875.  Unless  otherwise  specified 
these  records  refer  to  Ontonagon  County. 

Caribou.     He  had  no  authentic  record  of  this  species. 

Moose  (Alee).  A  moose  was  taken  at  Union  Bay  in  1864,  and  one  at 
Gogebic  Lake,  Gogebic  County  in  1863. 

Deer.     Are  more  abundant  now  than  formerly. 

Beaver.     Was  yet  common  in  1860. 

Canada  Lynx.  Was  twice  as  abundant  as  the  Wild  Cat.  At  the  present 
time  this  species  is  rare. 

Wild  Cat.     Common. 

Panther.  Had  no  experience  with  them  but  had  heard  authentic  reports 
of  their  occurrence  before  1860. 

Wolf.     Was  very  common  and  killed  many  deer. 

Red  Fox.     Was  common;  cross  fox  rare,  and  silver  gray  fox  very  rare. 

Otter.     Several  skins  were  secured  each  year  about  1860. 

Wolverine.  At  Rockland,  five  were  bought  by  his  brother,  J.  M.  Haring, 
between  1865  and  1875.  This  is  the  only  Michigan  (?)  locality  known  to 
the  writer.  Of  course  the  animals  may  not  have  been  killed  near  Rockland, 
but  may  have  come  from  a  distance.  Hon.  Peter  White,  of  Marquette, 
informs  me,  that,  although  he  has  made  inquiry  for  many  years,  he  has  been 
unable  to  obtain  authentic  records  of  the  Wolverine  in  Michigan. 

Fisher.     Common  in  1860;  a  few  skins  secured  each  year. 

Martin.     Very  common  in  1860.     A  few  have  been  taken  in  recent  years. 

Mink.     Common. 

Racoon.     A  very  few  have  been  taken. 

2.      ISLE   ROYALE. 

1.  Rangifer  caribou  (Gmelin).     Woodland  Caribou.     An  Indian  trapper 
reported  that  fresh  tracks  were  seen  during  July,  1904,  in  a  clearing  near 
Siskowit  Bay. 

2.  Sciurus    hudsonicus    Erx.     Hudson    Bay    Red    Squirrel.     II.    Nine 
specimens  were  taken  in  the  coniferous  forests,  both  young  and  adults. 
The  resin  on  the  hair  about  the  mouth  shows  that  both  young  and  adults 
feed  upon  the  coniferous  seeds.     Two  of  the  specimens  are  old  females 
which  have  reared  young,  as  shown  by  the  scanty  hair  on  the  belly;  in  both, 
four  nipples  had  been  functional.     III.  A  young  and  adult  male  were  taken 
in  the  deciduous  forest  along  the  Lake  Desor  trail. 

There  is  considerable  variation  in  the  color  of  the  upper  side  of  the  tail 
in  the  Isle  Royale  specimens.  The  median  rufous  band  is  quite  pronounced 
in  two  specimens. 

A'  winter  skin,  taken  by  a  trapper,  lacks  the  distinct  lateral  black  line, 
found  in  the  summer  specimens  and  has  a  faint  rufous  stripe  extending 
from  the  ears  to  the  subterminal  black  bar  on  the  tail.  The  shorter  tails,  with 


132  MICHIGAN    SURVEY,    1905. 

much  less  rufous,  and  the  gray  color  contrast  these  squirrels  with  those  from 
the  Porcupine  Mountains  (var.  loquax). 

Mr.  Wood  frequently  saw  squirrels  feeding  upon  seeds  taken  from  the 
cones  by  first  cutting  away  the  lower  scales. 

3.  Peromyscus  canadensis   (Miller).     Canadian  White-footed  Mouse.     I 
and  III.    Two  specimens,  both  adult  females,  one  from  the  camp  clearing  and 
the  other  from  the  Lake  Desor  trail  were  determined  by  the  U.  S.  Biological 
Survey  as  of  this  species.     Two  immature  males,  from  II,  were  doubtfully 
referred  to  this  species,  also  a  male  from  III.     Four  specimens,  of  both 
sexes,  taken  at  II,  are  provisionally  referred  to  this  species. 

4.  Fiber   zibethicus    (Linn.).     Muskrat.     II.    A   pair   of   muskrats   were 
taken  along  the  creek  through  a  cedar  swamp,  other  specimens  were  seen 
but  not  taken. 

No.  32117.     August  29.     1.  465.,  t.  216.,  h.  f.  66.     M.  M.  Peet, 
No.  32118.     August  24.     1.  436.,  t.  250.,  h.  f.  64.      collector. 

5.  Lepus  americanus  Erx.     Hudson  Bay  Varying  Hare.     II.  Six  speci- 
mens were  .taken  among  the  conifers  between  August   18  and  22.     The 
pelage  of  three  of  the  specimens  is  long  and  loose,  the  tips  of  the  long  hairs 
on  the  back  are  white  or  very  pale  yellow;  the  white  hairs  give  the  head 
a  frosted   appearence.     These   are  young  specimens.     The   pelage   of  the 
other  three  is  more  compact,  and  black  hairs  are  more  conspicuous,  the 
upper  part  of  the  head  is  a  pale  yellowish  brown.     An  adult  female,  No. 
32131,  is  the  largest  specimen,  and  also  the  darkest;  a  black  mid-dorsal  band 
is  fairly  distinct.     The  white  outer  margin  of  the  ears  is  very  wide  and 
distinct.     The  upper  part  of  the  hind  legs  is  mottled  with  white  and  yellow 
hairs ;  long,  scattered  white  tipped  hairs  occur  on  the  end  of  the  body  above 
the  tail. 

The  distinctness  of  the  outer  white  ear  margin  varies  in  this  series.  The 
large  female,  mentioned  above,  has  very  long  white  hair;  the  three  speci- 
mens first  mentioned,  have  quite  white  hair,  while  in  two  others  the 
hair  is  yellowish  white. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  that  these  are  a  different  variety  from  that  found 
in  the  Porcupine  Mountains,  on  the  south  shore  (var.  virginianus) .  This, 
like  several  other  members  of  the  biota,  shows  the  close  affinities  of  the  Isle 
Royale  types  to  the  adjacent  mainland  rather  than  to  the  remainder  of 
Michigan. 

6.  Lynx  canadensis  (Kerr).     Canada  Lynx.     Mr.  Wood  made  the  follow- 
ing note  on  lynx  skins  which  he  saw  at  the  Washington  Club  House,  at 
Washington  Harbor.     "  I  saw  two  Lynx  skins  taken  by  Chas.  Preulx  during 
the  winter  of  1903  and  1904.     Preulx  says  that  this  is  the  only  species  he 
has  seen  on  the  Island." 

7.  Mustela    americana    Turton.     Eastern    Martin.     "Mr.    Preulx    had 
several  martin  skins  which  were  taken  during  the    winter  of    1903-'04, 
on  the  maple  ridge,   not  far  from  Washington  Harbor.      These  skins  were 
very  dark  brown  with  a  few  scattered  white  hairs,  especially  on  the  under 
side."     (Wood). 

8.  Putorius    vison    (Schreber).     Mink.     II.    Mr.    Wood    found    a    dead 
specimen  in  a  barrel  sunk  at  a  spring.     Preulx  reported  it  quite  common 
about  the  Harbor  and  along  the  streams. 

9.  Putorius    cicognani    (Bonap.).      Small    Brown    Weasel.     Mr.    Wood 
reports  that  Preulx  had  about  10  skins,  and  said  they  were  quite  common. 

10.  Putorius  noveboracensis  Emmons.     New  York  Weasel.     Preulx  had 
a  number  of  large  weasel  skin&  which  probably  belonged  to  this  species. 


ECOLOGY    OF    NORTHERN    MICHIGAN.  133 

11.  My otis  lucifugus  (LeConte).  Little  Brown  Bat.  I.  One  specimen 
was  taken,  September  1,  by  Peet..  Wood  reports  seeing  a  bat  on  wing 
August  22.  These  were  the  only  bats  seen  on  the  island. 

No  specimens  of  the  Red-backed  Mouse,  (Evotomys  gapperi),  were  taken 
although  they  have  been  reported  from  Isle  Royale  by  Coues  (Mong.  N. 
American  Rodentia,  p.  145).  Of  special  interest  to  the  student  of  the  Isle 
Royale  fauna  is  Miller's  "Notes  on  the  Mammals  of  Ontario,"  (Pro.  Bost. 
Soc.  Nat.  His.,  1897,  Vol.  28,  pp.  1-44). 

This  collection  from  Isle  Royale,  although  a  small  one,  is  of  interest  in 
several  respects.  The  Isle,  it  should  be  remembered,  is  45  miles  long  with 
a  maximum  width  of  8?  miles,  and  is  about  15  miles  from  the  Canadian 
shore.  As  might  be  anticipated,  the  affinities  of  the  mammal  fauna  are 
with  those  of  the  north  shore  of  Lake  Superior  rather  than  with  those  of  the 
south  shore.  This  is  shown  by  the  occurrence  of  the  Caribou,  Red  Squirrel, 
Varying  Hare  and,  perhaps,  the  White-footed  Mouse. 

It  should  also  be  borne  in  mind  the  relatively  recent  or  postglacial  origin 
of  this  island  fauna.  Since  the  advent  of  the  present  fauna  we  have  no 
reason  to  believe  that  this  island  has  ever  been  connected  with  the  mainland. 
In  other  words,  the  fauna  and  flora  must  have  reached  their  present 
location  through  the  agency  of  winds,  waves,  lake  currents,  over  the  ice,  and, 
possibly,  in  the  case  of  some  forms,  through  the  influence  of  man. 


DATE  DUE  |QH105 

M5A5         Adams,  Charles  C. 
1906 


HOY  24 


An  ecological  survey  in 
northern  Michigan. 


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 


000666096    3 


BIO-AGRICULTURAL  LIBRARY 
UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
RIVERSIDE,  CALIFORNIA  92502 


